Rain and thunderstorm are likely to occur in several districts of south Bengal, including Kolkata, for four days starting Thursday and bring relief from recent high temperatures, the Indian Meteorological Department said.

On the other hand, north Bengal may witness a prolonged dry spell, according to the department forecast. There, however, was a marked decrease in minimum temperatures in parts of south and north Bengal amid a partly cloudy sky on Tuesday. Rain was recorded in Kolkata, Howrah and Purba Medinipur districts on Tuesday evening, offering a brief respite from the day’s scorching sun.

Also, some areas of north Bengal saw a slight rise in temperatures, it is learnt.

While Darjeeling recorded the minimum temperature at 11.6 degrees Celsius, Cooch Behar’s minimum temperature was 15.6 degrees Celsius.

Purulia registered the maximum temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius, and Kalimpong 24.4 degrees Celsius.

Some districts in south Bengal recently witnessed temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius, prompting heatwave warnings.

“Due to the presence favourable wind pattern and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal at lower tropospheric levels, thunderstorms with lightning and strong gusty winds are likely to occur in some districts of Bengal from March 20 to 22,” the department said.

Thundersqualls with wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, lightning, hailstorm and light to moderate rainfall are likely to occur at a couple of places in Jhargram, Bankura, Paschim Medinipur, Purba Bardhaman and Hooghly districts, it added.

During the weekend, thunderstorm with wind speed of 40-50 kmph, lightning and light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur at some places in Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum, Purba Bardhaman, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur districts, an official said.