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Kalimpong, Aug. 16: The hill town and its neighbouring areas are reeling under an unprecedented dry spell, with the temperature soaring three or four degrees above normal.

While the weather conditions are yet to have a major impact on agricultural produce or the flow of tourists, it has greatly affected the everyday life of ordinary citizens, not used to so much heat.

“The sub-Himalayan areas of north Bengal have not witnessed such unusual weather conditions in the last ten years,” said Subir Sarkar, in-charge of the weather station at the North Bengal University (NBU).

In the last 30 days, the region has received only about 200 ml of rainfall, when the figure should ideally have been closer to the 1000-ml mark, he said. “However, a low pressure system has intensified in northern India, which should cause rainfall in Bangladesh, Bengal and the north-eastern states in the next two-three days,” he added.

Till the time the heavens open up, though, the people will have to cope with the heat, which touched the 33 degree mark during the Independence Day celebration at the Mela Ground, here, yesterday. In fact, that many students at the programme had to be treated for heatstroke.

“There was a time when we hardly saw a fan in Kalimpong, but at this rate we may have to go in for air conditioners very soon,” said an old resident of the town. The inadequate rainfall has also worsened the perennial problem of water scarcity.

Mercifully, though, the weather has had very little impact on crops and fruits. Also, the tourism sector has not been hurt by the unprecedented heat.

“The heat has not affected the flow of tourists since this is the off-season for us,” said Amode Yonjon, who owns a hotel here.