Southern West Bengal is expected to experience a significant temperature surge with weather experts predicting extreme heat in March, potentially peaking before the Dol Yatra and Holi festivals. Kolkata’s temperature is expected to surpass 35 degrees Celsius, while temperatures across districts could soar to 38 degrees, the IMD said.
The mercury is set to rise starting this Saturday, with a general trend of increasing temperatures expected to continue after Monday.
Despite the impending heatwave, South Bengal will experience fluctuating temperatures in the coming days with clear skies and no immediate chance of rain. The region experienced a drop in day and night temperatures on Friday, falling below normal levels, resulting in mild and pleasant morning and evening conditions.
Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 18.2 degrees Celsius on Friday, with a maximum of 28.8 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity is expected to fluctuate between 26 and 82 percent.
In contrast, North Bengal is preparing for increased rainfall. As per the forecast, light rain along with thunderstorms is expected in the region, particularly in the hilly districts.
The amount of rainfall is expected to increase on Saturday, with thunderstorms likely in four districts. A new western disturbance may arrive on Sunday, March 9, contributing to the rainy conditions already influenced by a cyclone in Assam.
Light rain is predicted in the hilly areas of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Kalimpong on Friday, with further rainfall expected in Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts on Saturday. Dry weather is anticipated in North Bengal on Monday, with rain returning from Tuesday onwards. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms are likely in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri districts on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Temperatures in North Bengal are expected to remain stable for the next 24 hours but may rise by three degrees in the next two to three days, starting from Saturday. Jalpaiguri is expected to experience light to moderate rain with thunderstorms across all four districts, said the IMD.