After days of sweltering heat and sticky weather, there could be some relief on the horizon for people in West Bengal. The Alipore Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms and rain across several districts of South Bengal from Thursday onwards. Rainfall activity is also expected to pick up in North Bengal over the next few days.
Kolkata continues to sweat under humid conditions
The city remained hot and uncomfortable on Tuesday, with the maximum temperature settling at 36.1 degrees Celsius, slightly above the seasonal average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 29.2 degrees Celsius, which was also higher than normal.
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According to the weather office, Kolkata’s temperature on Wednesday is likely to hover around 36 degrees Celsius during the day and 28 degrees Celsius at night. High humidity levels are expected to keep discomfort levels elevated despite no significant change in temperature.
After days of heat, what’s driving Bengal’s rain forecast?
Meteorologists have attributed the changing weather pattern to a trough stretching from Pakistan to the Gangetic West Bengal coast. At the same time, a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is helping create favourable conditions for rainfall across the state.
These systems are expected to trigger thunderstorm activity in several districts over the coming days.
South Bengal set for thunderstorms from Thursday
While Wednesday is likely to remain hot and humid, weather conditions are expected to change from Thursday. The western districts of South Bengal may continue to witness temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius before rainfall activity begins.
The weather office has indicated that rain and thunderstorms could affect multiple districts, with rainfall intensity expected to increase towards the weekend.
Districts that may receive more significant rainfall include North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum and Nadia.
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Heavy rain forecast in parts of North Bengal
North Bengal is also likely to see weather conditions between Thursday and Saturday. Scattered heavy rainfall has been forecast for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are expected across all districts of North Bengal. Gusty winds may also accompany the rain.
Weather officials said temperatures in several parts of North Bengal could drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius by the weekend because of the expected rainfall.
Monsoon yet to enter India
The southwest monsoon has not officially entered India yet. According to the latest weather department update, monsoon conditions remain favourable for its advance over parts of Kerala, Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu within the next 24 hours.
Meteorologists have said that weaker-than-usual westerly winds along the Kerala coast have delayed its arrival. However, a strengthening of the wind flow later this week could support further monsoon progress.
