Kolkata, 05 April (H.S.): A fresh spell of thunderstorms and rain is set to impact large parts of South Bengal, bringing some relief from the prevailing humid heat. The Alipore Meteorological Department has forecast the possibility of Kalbaishakhi storms in at least ten districts of the region, including Kolkata.

According to the weather office, strong winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph may lash the city, along with the possibility of hailstorms in isolated areas.

From Sunday, light and scattered rainfall is expected across South Bengal, including Kolkata, and may continue throughout the week. Between Tuesday and Friday, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30–50 kmph have been forecast in the city.

On Sunday, districts such as West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, West Burdwan and Birbhum are likely to witness thunderstorms and rain. On Monday, Hooghly and East Burdwan will also come under the alert. Weather conditions are expected to worsen across South Bengal from Tuesday onward.

The intensity of the storms is likely to peak on Wednesday and Thursday. During these two days, districts including Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, Purulia, Bankura, East and West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia may experience Kalbaishakhi storms with wind speeds reaching up to 60 kmph. However, no warning has been issued for fishermen in coastal areas so far.

Hailstorms are also likely in some districts. On Tuesday, Bankura, East Burdwan and Birbhum may witness hail, while in North Bengal, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar may also experience hailstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Adverse weather conditions are expected across all districts of North Bengal, with heavy rainfall warning issued for the hilly regions. Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar may receive rainfall between 7 and 11 cm.

The weather department stated that dry winds from the west and northwest are currently prevailing, leading to hot and humid conditions in some areas till Sunday. Meanwhile, a trough line extending from northwest Bihar to Manipur, passing through north Bangladesh, Meghalaya and southeast Assam, is drawing moisture from the Bay of Bengal into the region. As a result, thunderstorms and rain are expected across the state from April 5 to April 9.

On Sunday morning, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 27.7°C, which is 2.7 degrees above normal. On Saturday, the maximum temperature was 36.1°C, 1.5 degrees above normal.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey