Kolkata, 20 May (H.S.) : South Bengal continues to reel under intense heat and rising humidity, with weather officials warning that relief is unlikely in the coming days. The combination of high temperature and moisture has made conditions increasingly uncomfortable across the region, with the discomfort expected to persist until the end of the week.

According to the latest update from the regional weather office, Kolkata will witness partly cloudy skies on Wednesday. Isolated and very light rainfall may occur in the afternoon. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 28.7°C and a maximum of 35.4°C on Tuesday. Similar conditions are expected on Wednesday, with temperatures likely to hover around 35°C (maximum) and 27°C (minimum). Relative humidity is expected to remain high, ranging between 64% and 87%, further intensifying the “feels-like” temperature.

Meteorological forecasts indicate a possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds in several districts of South Bengal from Wednesday afternoon. Regions including Nadia, East Burdwan, and Birbhum may experience localized Kalbaisakhi activity. Other districts such as Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, West Burdwan, Murshidabad, North 24 Parganas, and Hooghly are also expected to witness scattered rain and thunderstorms.

However, officials have cautioned that despite intermittent rainfall, there is no indication of sustained relief from heat and humidity in the region.

In stark contrast, North Bengal is likely to experience significantly different weather conditions. From Wednesday onwards, several districts stretching from Darjeeling to Malda are expected to receive rainfall activity. Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for multiple northern districts through the week.

Very heavy rainfall is likely on Friday in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts, raising concerns over waterlogging and localized disruptions.

Meteorological authorities have noted that the southwest monsoon remains active over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Conditions are becoming favorable for its advancement into parts of the east-central Bay of Bengal in the coming days.

The weather department has also indicated that the monsoon may reach Kerala earlier than usual, with an expected onset around May 26, several days ahead of the normal schedule.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh