Kolkata, 12 March (H.S.): The weather pattern in West Bengal has turned unstable, with the Met office forecasting light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in several districts of south and north Bengal over the next few days.

According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, cloudy skies were seen across Kolkata since Thursday morning and light showers may occur in parts of the city along with strong winds. A warning of lightning has also been issued.

The minimum temperature in Kolkata on Thursday was recorded at 25.3 degrees Celsius, which is 2.7 degrees above normal, while the maximum temperature stood at 30.8 degrees Celsius, around 2.2 degrees below normal, the weather office said.

Several districts of south Bengal, including Howrah, Hooghly and South 24 Parganas, witnessed cloudy conditions since morning. Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is likely in some areas, with gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph, officials said. However, no significant change in temperature is expected and high humidity may lead to uncomfortable conditions.

The Met office has also forecast thunderstorms with light to moderate rainfall in several districts of north Bengal over the next 24 hours.

Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Malda, North Dinajpur and South Dinajpur districts have been placed under alert, while light rain and snowfall are likely in the hilly regions of Sikkim.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey