Kolkata, 4 June (H.S.) -A spell of heavy overnight rain brought much-needed relief from the sweltering heat across Kolkata and parts of South Bengal on Tuesday. Following the showers, the temperature in Kolkata dropped sharply by six degrees Celsius on Wednesday, offering temporary comfort to residents who had been reeling under intense heat.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore, thunderstorms and rain are likely to continue across South Bengal on Wednesday. Northern districts of the state, including Darjeeling and North Dinajpur, are expected to witness heavy rainfall, with wind speeds ranging between 30 to 50 kilometers per hour predicted across several districts.

Despite the rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that the monsoon has not yet reached South Bengal. However, its onset is expected around June 12.

Kolkata and surrounding areas such as Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, and Jhargram experienced a pleasant morning on Wednesday, thanks to the previous night’s rain. Though the rain brought down temperatures, humidity levels remained high, fluctuating between 46% and 100%.

Wednesday’s minimum temperature in Kolkata was recorded at 23.2°C, while Tuesday’s maximum was 37.7°C. The IMD has warned that despite the current dip in temperature, humid conditions will persist, especially in districts like South 24 Parganas and parts of West Midnapore, where heatwave-like situations may occur.

Districts that are likely to experience thunderstorms and rain include Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, East Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia.

In North Bengal, in addition to Darjeeling and North Dinajpur, districts such as Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar are also likely to receive rain accompanied by thunder. Parts of Malda, North and South Dinajpur may witness scattered showers.

While the rainfall has led to a temporary dip in temperatures, the IMD has cautioned that weather will remain unstable and humidity levels high across most parts of Bengal until the monsoon sets in.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh