Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International

Abstract

Gangetic West Bengal (GWB) belongs to Aw climate type after Köppen-Geiger climate classification (KGC). Human thermal comfort (HTC) and vapour pressure (VP) conditions together can represent human-biometeorological comfort conditions. Physiological equivalent temperature (PET) is used for indexing HTC. 3-hr PET and VP values are calculated based on hourly meteorological data of six selected cities for 18 years (2000-2017) time period. RayMan model has been applied to calculate hourly PETs and VPs. PET and VP data are grouped by frequencies and time period into several classes. Spatial distribution and dispersion characters of biometeorological comfort conditions are measured by statistical techniques. Thermally heat stress is very high in Apr and May. Months of winter indicate the presence of different thermal conditions. Annual comfort is maximum in the coastal city when stressful condition mostly prevails over Krishnanagar (KNG). Puruliya (PRA) shows the driest condition. The obtained information can be applied in planning, healthcare, and tourism sector.