West Bengal, 10 May (H.S.): Thunderstorms and rain activity are likely to intensify across West Bengal over the next few days, the India Meteorological Department said on Sunday.

According to the Alipore weather office, a cyclonic circulation extends from east Bihar to the sub-Himalayan regions of West Bengal, while another cyclonic circulation is active from east Rajasthan to east Jharkhand. Moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are also entering the state, creating favourable conditions for thunderstorms and rainfall.

The weather office has forecast light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms across districts of south Bengal till May 17. Kolkata is also likely to witness thunderstorms and rain during the afternoon or evening hours. The city is expected to experience a mix of cloudy skies and sunshine through the day before weather conditions deteriorate later in the day.

Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 23 degrees Celsius on Sunday, which was 3.6 degrees below normal. On Saturday, the maximum temperature settled at 33.6 degrees Celsius, around two degrees below normal. The Met office said temperatures are unlikely to rise significantly over the next few days due to continued rain activity.

On Sunday, all districts of south Bengal are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph. However, a stronger thunderstorm warning with wind speeds of 50-60 kmph has been issued for five districts — Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, Bankura, East Burdwan and West Burdwan.

North Bengal districts are also likely to experience thunderstorms and rain till May 17, with heavy rainfall warnings issued for a few districts. Gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph may accompany the weather system. According to the weather department, these conditions are expected to continue at least till May 15.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey