Kolkata, 19 May (H.S.): After days of intense heat, residents of South Bengal are likely to get some relief as the Alipore Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning across all districts on Tuesday. Kolkata is also expected to receive rainfall later in the day, with strong chances of showers increasing during the afternoon and evening hours. However, meteorologists caution that despite the rain, heat and discomfort may persist through the week.

Kolkata experienced a mix of bright sunshine and cloudy skies on Tuesday morning, along with persistent humid and oppressive conditions that left residents struggling. According to the weather office, rainfall is likely in the city later in the day.

The minimum temperature in Kolkata was recorded at 29.2°C, which is 2.5°C above normal, while the maximum temperature stood at 35.9°C, slightly above the seasonal average by 0.1°C. The combination of high humidity and elevated night temperatures has contributed to continued discomfort.

The weather department has forecast thunderstorms with lightning across all districts of South Bengal. Districts including Nadia, East Burdwan, and Birbhum are expected to witness a higher probability of Kalbaisakhi-type storms over the next 48 hours.

Despite the expected rainfall, temperatures are likely to remain high, and heat-related discomfort may intensify in parts of the western districts of South Bengal, where temperatures could approach 40°C.

In contrast, North Bengal is expected to see increasing chances of heavy rainfall and storm activity. Almost all districts from Darjeeling to Malda are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds reaching speeds of 40–50 km/h on Tuesday.

While South Bengal continues to struggle with heat and humidity, North Bengal is set to receive relatively wetter and stormier conditions in the coming days.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh