Temperature rises in Siliguri

TT, Siliguri, July 28: Temperature has risen by six to seven degrees Celsius in Siliguri, and Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts in the past few days because of absence of rain.

"Temperature reached 37 degrees Celsius in Siliguri today. Similar is the situation in Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts, where the maximum temperature crossed 37 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature in the areas is higher by six to seven degrees Celsius than the average temperature," said a source at the India Meteorological Department.

IMD sources said a depression had developed in Bay of Bengal and there would be rain in the next 24 hours.

"However, even if it rains, the daytime weather for the next two-three days is likely to remain the same. As humidity is also high, the real feel in Siliguri and the surrounding areas today was of 40 degrees Celsius," said the IMD source.

The weather experts said it had rained heavily since June 1 and the rainfall till July 22 was normal in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts and slightly deficient in Cooch Behar.

"However, this week, rain was deficient (less by 43 per cent than the average rainfall) in Darjeeling district and scanty in Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts (less by 77 per cent and 87 per cent, respectively than the average). Such sudden reduction in rainfall, coupled with scorching sunshine, can affect crops, including tea," said an IMD scientist.

The streets of Siliguri and other towns wore a deserted look today as the temperature rose. Most of the people stayed indoors and some of them came out for different errands only after the sunset.