The IMD has forecast a partly cloudy sky for Kolkata on Tuesday, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to hover around 34 and 25 degrees Celsius respectively.

South Bengal is gearing up for a period of unsettled weather, with thunderstorms and rain predicted from Thursday to Sunday, bringing relief from recent high temperatures. Meanwhile, residents of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal can expect a prolonged period of dry weather according to the latest forecast.

A noticeable drop in temperature, ranging from 2 to 4 degrees Celsius, is expected across the region. Yesterday, Tuesday, saw a marked decrease in minimum temperatures in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, and an appreciable fall in both Sub-Himalayan and Gangetic regions. Conversely, some areas in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal experienced a slight rise in temperature.

Darjeeling in the hills recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 11.6 degrees Celsius, while Coochbehar in the plains saw a minimum of 15.6 degrees Celsius. Purulia registered the highest maximum temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius, with Kalimpong (hills) reaching 24.4 degrees Celsius.

Despite the recent light rainfall, which provided temporary relief from the intense heat, the state continues to experience sweltering conditions. Rain, accompanied by local thunderclouds, was reported in Kolkata, Howrah, and Purba Medinipur on Tuesday evening, offering a brief respite from the day’s scorching sun.

However, the relief is expected to be short-lived, officials said. Some districts in South Bengal have recently experienced temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius, earlier prompting heatwave warnings, which have now been lifted.