Sudden Temperature Drop
Kolkata witnessed a dramatic decrease in its ambient temperature, with the mercury falling by a substantial 7 degrees Celsius. This sharp decline followed
a period of heavy thunderstorms that swept through the region. The minimum temperature recorded dropped to 20.4 degrees Celsius from a considerably warmer 27.7 degrees Celsius the previous night. This sudden cool spell provided much-needed respite from the sweltering heat that had been affecting Kolkata and its surrounding areas, offering a temporary reprieve from the prevailing uncomfortable weather conditions. The abrupt change brought a noticeable shift in the general climate, making the atmosphere more pleasant for residents.
Extended Rain Forecast
The Meteorological Department has issued a forecast predicting an extension of the current stormy weather. Residents of Kolkata and districts in South Bengal can anticipate more thunderstorms accompanied by rain for the next few days. This pattern is expected to persist until Sunday. The weather might see a change again from Monday, which is the day of vote counting. This extended period of unsettled weather is attributed to a prevailing cyclonic circulation. The forecast also indicates that the pleasant weather conditions brought on by the recent rain are likely to continue throughout the week, offering a sustained period of cooler temperatures and overcast skies.
Weather System Explained
The current weather phenomena are driven by a significant atmospheric system. The Met Office has identified an east-west oriented cyclonic circulation that stretches across a wide geographical area, from north Haryana all the way to Manipur. This circulation passes through several key states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and extends into Bangladesh and Assam. This specific atmospheric setup is facilitating a considerable influx of moisture-laden air from the Bay of Bengal into West Bengal. This increased water vapour content is creating highly favorable conditions for the development of rain and thunderstorms across the state, explaining the persistent wet weather.
Regional Weather Alerts
The forecast for Kolkata on Thursday anticipates cloudy skies with a high probability of light to moderate rain interspersed with thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon. The maximum temperature in the city is projected to reach around 32 degrees Celsius. Beyond Kolkata, thunderstorms are also predicted for other southern districts. Specific warnings have been issued for East Midnapore, Hooghly, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Nadia districts. In line with these weather advisories, fishermen have been cautioned and are prohibited from venturing out into the sea until May 3. Meanwhile, North Bengal is also bracing for heavy rainfall, with Darjeeling and Kalimpong among the five districts expected to receive substantial downpours over the next four days, alongside thunderstorms and the possibility of scattered hail.
