Sporadic spells of rain since Thursday morning brought much-needed relief from the heat in Kolkata, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting more thunderstorms across the city and several south Bengal districts over the next few days.
The showers kept temperatures noticeably lower, while cloudy skies and gusty winds added to the change in weather conditions. According to the Alipore Met office, Kolkata recorded 48 mm rainfall till late evening on Thursday, per a Times of India report. Another spell of thundershowers also hit parts of the city later at night.
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Mercury dips as rain continues
The rainfall helped pull down the maximum temperature from 33.7 degree Celsius on Wednesday to 30.8 degree Celsius on Thursday. This was the third consecutive day of thunderstorms in Kolkata. On Wednesday night, an intense spell of rain accompanied by strong winds led to waterlogging in a few low-lying areas for several hours.
"Factors including an upper air cyclonic circulation over east Bihar, abundant moisture in the lower level continue to make the conditions favourable for more thunderstorm activities in Kolkata as well as some other south Bengal districts in the next four to five days. While the intensity would vary, possibility of one or few spells of rain every day is very high for now," said head of Regional Meteorological Centre Kolkata HR Biswas, per TOI.
Rain forecast for Saturday
The weatherman has also predicted rain on Saturday, the day newly appointed BJP MLAs are expected to take oath. However, officials said the chances of rainfall would be higher in the latter half of the day.
"So far our rain forecast for Kolkata on Saturday is yellow and we will update it as and when we find factors that could influence the intensity of the thundershower. The chance for rain on that day in the morning is only about 30 per cent, with possibility increasing to around 70 per cent towards the afternoon onwards," added Biswas.
North-south divide in rainfall
Rainfall distribution remained uneven across the city. Northern parts such as Dum Dum, Thanthania, College Street and Amherst Street received lighter showers. In contrast, areas in south Kolkata, including Jodhpur Park, Kalighat, Ballygunge, Behala and Tollygunge witnessed heavier spells between 11 am and 3 pm.
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According to KMC Drainage department data, rainfall in several southern neighbourhoods ranged between 32 mm and 58 mm. Frequent showers over the past week have also prevented temperatures from rising above normal levels.
