Kolkata, 25 March (H.S.) : Even as the mild spring weather continues across West Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of inclement weather from Friday, with a strong possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and hail across several districts of South Bengal, including Kolkata.

According to the weather office, there is no significant possibility of rainfall across South and North Bengal on Wednesday and Thursday. However, conditions are expected to change towards the end of the week, with the likelihood of Nor’wester (Kalbaisakhi) activity between Friday and Sunday. People planning outdoor activities over the weekend have been advised to remain cautious and carry umbrellas as a precautionary measure.

Kolkata witnessed a partly cloudy sky since Wednesday morning with light haze, although brief sunny intervals were observed. The sky is expected to clear gradually as the day progresses.

The minimum temperature in the city was recorded at 24.6 degrees Celsius, which is 0.5 degrees above normal, while the maximum temperature is likely to hover around 31.9 degrees Celsius, about 2.8 degrees below normal. Though the daytime temperature remains slightly below normal, both day and night temperatures are showing a gradual rising trend.

From Friday onwards, Kolkata is likely to experience cloudy conditions along with thunderstorms and rain, with the possibility of strong Nor’wester winds.

Weather conditions across South Bengal are expected to remain humid due to high moisture content in the air, particularly in the coastal districts. While morning haze may persist during the week, temperatures are expected to rise gradually.

The Alipore Meteorological Office has warned that thunderstorms and rain are likely across all districts of South Bengal on Friday and Saturday. Districts such as Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur and Purba Bardhaman may experience gusty winds with speeds ranging between 50 and 60 kilometres per hour. Hailstorms are also likely in isolated areas.

In North Bengal, adverse weather conditions are expected to affect the six northern districts on Wednesday, with the possibility of heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail. However, rainfall activity is likely to reduce after the afternoon hours.

The weather department indicated that rainfall activity may remain relatively low on Thursday, but another increase in precipitation is expected from Friday onwards.

The IMD continues to monitor the situation and has advised residents to stay updated with official weather bulletins.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh