Kolkata is in for a spell of unsettled weather this weekend, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in the city.
According to the IMD, light to moderate thunderstorms, along with rain, are likely on Friday and Saturday. The IMD has issued an orange alert, and the wind speed is expected to be between 40 and 50 kmph. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 30 degrees, while the minimum temperature may be close to 22 degrees.
On Saturday, March 21, rain is expected in most parts of the city. Thunderstorms, along with lightning and strong winds, may make the weather stormy throughout the day.
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Gradual improvement from Sunday
The weather is expected to improve and stabilise from March 22 onward. The city is expected to witness a partly cloudy sky with a maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 24 degrees Celsius. There are no special weather warnings issued for this time frame.
Similar weather is expected on March 23 as well, with the temperature ranging from 24 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. On March 24 and 25, clearer skies are expected with a rise in the maximum temperature to around 33 degrees Celsius and the minimum at around 25 degrees Celsius.
From mid-week onward, dry weather is expected to prevail in the city. Temperatures are expected to rise gradually, reaching a maximum of 35 degrees Celsius on March 25 and 26. On March 27, the maximum temperature is expected to rise to 36 degrees Celsius, indicating the onset of warmer weather as the month comes to a close.
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Impact across West Bengal
Thunderstorms, hailstorms, and strong winds have also been forecast by the IMD in various districts of South Bengal. The wind speed is expected to rise up to 60-70 kmph in some areas, including Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, and Howrah.
In north Bengal, there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar. Heavy rain is also expected in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Cooch Behar. Hailstorms are also possible in some areas on Saturday.
Fishermen have been advised to avoid going into the sea along the West Bengal coast and the north Odisha coast on March 20 and 21.
A dip in temperature is expected for a couple of days before a rise in temperature begins, marking an early onset of summer.
