Kolkata: Clouds and drizzle in the city brought the maximum temperature down by over two notches — to 32.3°C — on Thursday, bringing a brief respite before hot and humid conditions return for the next four to five days.
The drizzle is likely to be the last rain incident in Kolkata in the first half of April, according to RMC. While IMD is yet to release its long-range monsoon forecast, local meteorologists said the frequent spells of hot and humid weather likely in south Bengal in the second half of April don’t yet reflect the impact of La Niña on the region.
“So far, we have had about 0.5 mm of rainfall in April. We are likely to see a steadfast spike in the maximum, which could reach up to 36°C or 37°C by the middle of next week. The second half of the month is also likely to see more frequent episodes of hot and humid weather,” said Sourish Bandhopadhyay of RMC. April typically sees about 57.1 mm of cumulative rainfall.
The next four days are likely to be rain-free and clouds may recede on Friday, leading to an increase in local heating. That can push the real feel maximum up to 40°C. Friday may be cloudy, with the maximum rising close to 34°C and the minimum probably falling half a notch to 25°C.