Kolkata Heatwave Hits 40°C: 5 Shocking Ways the City is Struggling to Survive!

Kolkata is reeling under an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in areas like Salt Lake and Dum Dum, marking the hottest spell of the year. The city’s streets emptied during peak hours as residents sought refuge in air-conditioned spaces and cold refreshments, while hospitals reported a spike in heat-related illnesses. Despite nearby districts receiving thunderstorms, a high-pressure system has stalled any relief for Kolkata. Experts warn of worsening heat due to climate change and the city’s expanding concrete landscape, which traps heat.

Vulnerable populations, including street vendors and slum dwellers, bear the brunt, while civic responses remain limited. Power grids are under pressure, and temporary fixes like water kiosks are no substitute for systemic change. The IMD forecasts continued high temperatures, emphasizing the urgent need for long-term urban adaptation. As the city waits for monsoon relief, the heatwave highlights the growing climate risks facing urban India.

Kolkata Heatwave Hits 40°C: 5 Shocking Ways the City is Struggling to Survive!

Kolkata’s streets transformed into a furnace over the weekend as temperatures soared past 40°C in parts of the city, marking the year’s most intense heatwave yet. On Saturday, Salt Lake and Dum Dum recorded blistering highs of 40.5°C and 40.2°C respectively, while the official Alipore weather station hit 39.1°C—the city’s hottest day in nearly a year. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) ruling out immediate respite, residents brace for another 48 hours of oppressive heat, even as thunderstorms offer fleeting relief to neighboring districts.  

A City Under Siege 

The unrelenting sun emptied Kolkata’s roads during peak afternoon hours, driving crowds to seek refuge in air-conditioned metro compartments, shopping malls, and roadside stalls hawking lemonade, kulfi, and ice creams. Local vendors reported surging demand, while hospitals noted a rise in heat-related complaints, including dehydration and exhaustion. Doctors urged citizens to avoid outdoor exposure between 11 AM and 4 PM, emphasizing hydration and lightweight clothing.  

“Prolonged heat exposure can escalate to heatstroke, especially for children and the elderly,” warned a physician at a government hospital. “Rehydration with electrolytes, not just water, is critical.”  

Meteorological Divide: Storms Skirt the City 

While Kolkata swelters, the IMD forecasts thunderstorms with gusty winds (30–40 kmph) for districts like Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Purulia. However, a high-pressure system lingering over the region continues to block moisture-laden winds from reaching the city. “The synoptic setup favors rain in districts, but Kolkata’s geography and atmospheric conditions are delaying relief,” explained a weather official. Similar trends are expected on Monday and Tuesday, with North and South 24 Parganas possibly joining the thunderstorm belt later in the week.  

Meanwhile, north Bengal faces its own extremes: Malda and South Dinajpur grapple with heatwave alerts, while Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Coochbehar anticipate heavy rainfall—a stark contrast to the parched south.  

Historical Context: A Hotter Future? 

This year’s heatwave pales in comparison to April 2023, when Kolkata endured 14 consecutive days above 39°C, including nine days beyond 40°C. Yet, rising frequency and intensity of such events align with broader climate trends. A 2023 study by the Centre for Science and Environment linked a 65% spike in heatwave days across India since 1990 to urbanization and global warming. Kolkata’s shrinking wetlands and concrete sprawl exacerbate the “urban heat island” effect, trapping heat long after sunset.

Coping Mechanisms and Systemic Gaps 

The crisis has reignited debates about urban preparedness. While affluent residents rely on ACs, power grids face mounting strain. Informal workers, street vendors, and slum dwellers remain disproportionately vulnerable. Community initiatives, like free water kiosks and extended public library hours, offer temporary reprieve, but experts argue for systemic reforms: restoring water bodies, expanding green cover, and implementing heat action plans with cooling centers.  

Looking Ahead 

With the IMD predicting 38–40°C highs through Tuesday, Kolkata’s resilience is being tested. While monsoon clouds loom on the horizon (typically arriving by mid-June), the current crisis underscores an urgent need for long-term adaptation. As climate scientist Roxy Mathew Koll notes, “Heatwaves are now longer, more frequent, and deadlier. Cities must reimagine infrastructure to protect lives, not just react when temperatures spike.”  

For now, Kolkatans navigate a daily grind of survival—seeking shade, sipping sugarcane juice, and hoping for a distant thunderclap to break the heat’s grip. The city’s battle against the mercury, however, is far from over.