The IMD said the wind speed is likely to reach 50-60 kmph on Tuesday, and heavy rain of 7-11 cm is likely to occur over the East Medinipur, North, and South 24 Parganas districts.
For the entire week, light to moderate rain, including thunderstorms with lightning and gusty wind (40-50 kmph), is likely to continue over the rest of the districts of southern Bengal, as per the weather agency.
“With red alert for thundersquall with wind speed reaching 60-70 kmph along with light to moderate rain with lightning very likely to occur over the parts of Nadia and an orange alert. Thunderstorms with lightning accompanied with gusty wind reaching 40-50 kmph and light to moderate rain very likely to affect over some parts of Howrah and East Midnapore districts,” stated the IMD on Monday, adding that maximum temperature in West Bengal will likely decrease by 3-5 degrees Celsius over the next two days.
On Monday, Kolkata recorded 35.4 degrees Celsius during the daytime, with the maximum humidity at 81 per cent. The sky remained generally cloudy.
An IMD statement on Sunday warned about the severe weather conditions expected to hit the West Bengal coast. According to the statement, there is a likelihood of squally weather with maximum wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph from Monday to Tuesday. Therefore, fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea on Monday and Tuesday to avoid any danger.
The IMD advisory stated, “Fishermen and coastal population are alerted to be cautious on possible surging of waves (gushing of seawater) intermittently in the nearshore/beach region, particularly in the low lying areas and during high tide/spring tide phases. Small vessels may ply nearshore with due caution. Boats may be anchored at a fair distance from each other, to avoid collision and damage. Operational/Recreational activities at beach/nearshore, with due care.”
On Monday, Kalaikunda recorded the highest maximum temperature at 45.4 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Panagarh recorded 44.5 degrees Celsius, Bankura recorded 43 degrees Celsius, and Asansol and Purulia both recorded 42.5 degrees Celsius.
Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur and Malda are currently under a yellow alert due to thunderstorms with lightning and gusty wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, along with light to moderate rainfall. Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar are under an orange alert for thunderstorms with lightning, accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph and light to moderate rain.