Written by Adrija Datta

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Kolkata has issued a weather warning indicating the likelihood of rain and thunderstorms across several parts of North and South Bengal on May 13, Tuesday.

An orange alert was issued for the northern districts of Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar on Tuesday. These areas are expected to experience light to moderate thunderstorms and lightning, coupled with light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds blowing at speeds ranging between 40 to 50 kmph.

In addition to these districts, rainfall is also likely to affect Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, Paschim and Purba Medinipur, Jhargram, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia. The IMD has stated that weather conditions in these areas may vary from isolated showers to moderate rainfall, potentially disrupting normal outdoor activities.

A partly cloudy sky is likely throughout the day, with a possibility of thunder by the afternoon or evening, IMD forecast stated. The city is likely to receive around 8.2 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours beginning at 6.30 am on May 13. The maximum temperature is projected to hover around 36 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle near 26 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity levels are expected to remain high, with a maximum of 98% and a minimum of 35%.

Thunderstorms in most South Bengal districts are likely to persist from May 14 to 16. The IMD has issued a public advisory, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid open spaces during thunderstorms.