Kolkata along with its surrounding regions have seen spells of rainfall in the last two days, varying in degree and accompanied by heavy winds. As predicted previously, there were spells of light rainfall from Sunday evening to Monday, which commenced from around 8:30 pm. These light showers soon turned intense due to windy and thunderous weather conditions. According to the weather department, wind speeds in the city reached up to 63 kmph, while Alipore recorded 6 mm of rainfall on Monday night.
The weather office has indicated that the current pattern is set to continue for the next few days. On Tuesday, thunderstorms are likely to develop after the afternoon, with similar conditions expected on Wednesday. Rainfall activity may increase during these two days, particularly in and around Kolkata.
Meteorologists attribute the situation to a low-pressure axis stretching from Bihar to Manipur, passing through North Bengal, Assam and Bangladesh. Besides this, cyclonic circulation around the Bay of Bengal has contributed to the moisture content in the air. Such a combination has resulted in the development of thunderclouds, providing favourable conditions for thunderstorms in the state.
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Temperature drops offer relief
The current weather conditions have provided some relief from the prevailing heat. In Kolkata, on Monday, the maximum temperature was 33.6 degree centigrade, 1.6 degrees below the normal. The minimum temperature dropped to 20.2 degrees Celsius, nearly 5 degrees below the seasonal average. For Tuesday, temperatures are expected to hover between 31 degrees and 23 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels around 95 per cent.
South Bengal on alert
Several districts in South Bengal are likely to witness intensified thunderstorm activity. There is a possibility of hailstorms in Bankura, East Burdwan and Birbhum. Districts including Purulia, Bankura, East and West Burdwan, Birbhum and Murshidabad may experience strong storms with wind speeds between 50 and 60 kmph. On Wednesday, rainfall and storm intensity may increase further in East Burdwan, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia and North 24 Parganas.
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Conditions are expected to gradually improve from Thursday afternoon, with rainfall reducing significantly by Friday. Clear skies are likely over the weekend, along with a temperature rise.
North Bengal forecast
In North Bengal, light to moderate thunderstorms are expected across all districts on Tuesday and Wednesday. Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar may see hailstorms and lightning. Heavy rainfall is likely in Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri, with wind speeds reaching up to 60 kmph.
