The monsoon appears to have split West Bengal into two contrasting weather zones. While North Bengal continues to receive widespread rainfall, residents across South Bengal are still waiting for a meaningful spell of rain. Despite repeated forecasts of showers, most districts in the southern part of the state have remained largely dry, leaving people to cope with oppressive heat and humidity.
According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, weather conditions could begin to change from June 20, with the chances of thunderstorms and rain increasing across several districts of South Bengal. However, heavy rainfall is not on the cards at the moment, and light to moderate showers are expected to dominate.
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Will Kolkata get rain today?
Kolkata woke up to another warm and humid morning on Wednesday, with discomfort levels remaining high due to excess moisture in the air.
The weather office has indicated that there is little chance of any significant change in temperature in the immediate future. The city’s minimum temperature was recorded at 29.2 degrees Celsius, which is 2.2 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature is expected to touch 36.2 degrees Celsius, around 2.4 degrees above the seasonal average.
South Bengal faces continued heat and humidity
For now, hot and sticky conditions are likely to persist across South Bengal. Although isolated thunderstorms may occur in some areas, they are unlikely to bring any major relief from the prevailing heat.
Several districts could see temperatures nearing the 40-degree Celsius mark in the coming days. As a result, parts of South Bengal may continue to experience heatwave-like conditions despite the monsoon season.
The weather department, however, has pointed to a possible shift in conditions next week as rainfall activity is expected to become more widespread.
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Heavy rain alert for several North Bengal districts
In sharp contrast to the weather in the south, North Bengal remains under the influence of active rain-bearing systems.
The weather department has forecast isolated spells of very heavy rainfall in Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar on Wednesday. Heavy rain is also likely in parts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, North Dinajpur and South Dinajpur.
Apart from rainfall, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are expected across all districts of North Bengal. Gusty winds with speeds reaching up to 50 kmph may also accompany these weather conditions, the department said.
FAQs:
When will it rain in South Bengal?
According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, rain activity is likely to increase across parts of South Bengal from June 20.
Will Kolkata get relief from the heat this week?
Immediate relief is unlikely, with temperatures expected to remain above normal and only light to moderate rain chances in the coming days.
