Monday, Jun 05, 2023 07:45 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Jun 05, 2023 02:05 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Most parts of Sikkim continue to experience an unusually hot summer for the past couple of weeks with heat wave being recorded on certain dates in Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi districts.
The plain areas of adjoining North Bengal have been witnessing maximum temperature of more than 35 degree Celsius since last Monday. In comparison, the hilly towns of Sikkim are recording much lesser day temperature between 25 degrees Celsius to 31 degree Celsius, but still much above than previous summers.
On May 31, the maximum temperature of Gangtok was recorded at 26.1 degree Celsius, the highest seasonal temperature (March to May). This, it is informed, is the highest seasonal temperature recorded for the State capital since 2000.
The same day, Tadong, located at a lower elevation than main Gangtok town, recorded 31.8 degree Celsius, the third highest maximum temperature in May.
In neighbouring regions of North Bengal, heat wave conditions have been prevailing from past week. Similar heat wave has been experienced at isolated places of Sikkim since last Monday.
An advisory was issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday morning cautioning that heat wave is likely to occur at one or two places over Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi districts in the next 24 hours.
As per information available, it is for the first time that Namchi and Gangtok districts have been issued the heat wave caution.
At present, there is no weather disturbance over Sikkim and North Bengal. Consequently, there are almost no low clouds over the region with the sky remaining clear during daytime and rise in temperature.
Meanwhile, the IMD has forecasted that light to moderate rain is very likely to occur at a few places over Sikkim and at isolated places over North Bengal during the next 3-4 days.
Both intensity and spatial distribution of rainfall expected to be increased from next Tuesday, especially in Sikkim. However, hot and discomforting weather is very likely to persist in most areas of North Bengal and Sikkim.
