According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the city has been witnessing maximum temperature in early 30s against the normal average of 29°C, while minimum in early 20s against the normal of 17°C.
On February 25, Kolkata recorded maximum temperature of 33.5°C and minimum temperature of 20°C. Similarly on February 24, day temperature was at 33.4°C, while night temperature was at 21.9°C. On February 23, maximum was at 33°C, while minimum at 21.5°C. On February 22, maximum was at 33.1°C, while minimum at 22°C and on February 21, maximum was at 32.8°C, while minimum at 20°C.
The highest maximum temperature recorded in February 2014 was 32.2°C.
The rise in temperatures is due to the absence of any significant rain activity over the region. The city has recorded mere 1 mm of rain in the month of February against the monthly average of 30 mm of rain.
As per Skymet, the city usually witnesses rainy spell during the month of February on account of the cyclonic circulations that travel from north to east direction, covering Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
However, this year we have not witnessed any significant weather system that would cover the Bengal region. Moreover, there has been change in the trend also, as the systems are now moving along the foothills i.e. after travelling till Uttar Pradesh, systems move towards the hills and cover Northeastern states.
According to the latest forecast, a cyclonic circulation is likely to affect the Bengal region by March 3 or 4 which give rain over the the city, bringing much needed respite from the scorching heat.