Kolkata and several districts of West Bengal are experiencing a significant drop in temperatures, accompanied by rain and thunderstorms, according to the India Meteorological Department. The sudden change in weather patterns, triggered by recent rainfall, has brought both maximum and minimum temperatures below normal levels.
The IMD has forecast a further decrease in daytime temperatures over the next 24 hours. The state capital is expected to have a partly cloudy sky with a possibility of thunderstorms, gusty winds, and light to moderate rain. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 29 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to be around 22 degrees Celsius.
“After Saturday’s rain, both the maximum and minimum temperatures in Kolkata are below normal,” said an IMD official. “Rain will continue in isolated districts till Sunday.”
Kolkata’s minimum temperature on Sunday morning was 20.6 degrees Celsius, 3.5 degrees below normal, and the maximum temperature on Saturday afternoon was 25.5 degrees Celsius, a notable 9.2 degrees below normal.
Several districts in South Bengal, including Jhargram, East and West Medinipur, Bankura, Purulia, East Burdwan, Hooghly, and Howrah, experienced thunderstorms on Saturday. Light to moderate rain is expected to persist in these areas through Sunday. On Monday, light rain is predicted for East Medinipur and South 24 Parganas.
A yellow alert has been issued for all northern districts for Sunday. Malda, South Dinajpur, Kalimpong, and Alipurduar are likely to experience thunderstorms, rain, and hail. Other northern districts may see rain with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph and lightning. However, the IMD has indicated that the northern districts are expected to experience dry weather from Monday onwards.
A gradual rise in temperature is anticipated after Sunday. Over the subsequent three days, temperatures are expected to increase by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. The weather pattern is predicted to change from Monday, with a return to drier conditions and a gradual warming trend. Some sources predict a rise of 4-6 degree Celsius.
“The heat of the city has disappeared due to the stormy rain. The temperature has dropped a lot. However, the weather will start becoming dry from Monday, and the temperature will increase,” the IMD said.