Kolkata, 21 May (H.S.) : Hopes of widespread rainfall and relief from oppressive humidity in South Bengal have diminished after the anticipated low-pressure system over the Andaman Sea failed to materialise. Meteorologists had earlier predicted the formation of a low-pressure area around Wednesday or Thursday, but weather experts now say the possibility has become extremely weak following the advance of the southwest monsoon into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

As a result, Kolkata and several districts of South Bengal are likely to continue experiencing severe discomfort caused by high humidity levels over the next few days.

The intensity of the situation became evident on Wednesday afternoon when Kolkata’s actual temperature hovered slightly above 34 degrees Celsius, while the “real feel” or heat index reportedly touched 52 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists said the figure reflected the extreme level of discomfort prevailing in the city.

Scattered rainfall and gusty winds were reported in parts of Kolkata and several South Bengal districts on Wednesday evening, providing temporary respite from the suffocating weather conditions. However, weather experts cautioned that the improvement was only short-lived.

Weather expert Rabindra Goenka said that the only effective relief from the current conditions would come through strong nor’westers or several hours of continuous rainfall. However, he added that there is still no certainty about when such a system might develop.

According to meteorologists, South Bengal’s atmosphere currently contains an exceptionally high amount of moisture, while a persistent cloud cover is preventing heat from escaping from the earth’s surface. At the same time, excess humidity is obstructing the evaporation of sweat from the human body, significantly increasing discomfort levels.

The situation has worsened further due to weak wind circulation. Around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, wind speeds in Kolkata were recorded at only 4 kilometres per hour, resulting in stagnant atmospheric conditions across the city.

The India Meteorological Department indicated on Wednesday morning that no major weather system is expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal until at least Monday, May 25, reducing the chances of any significant change in weather conditions over South Bengal.

Rabindra Goenka, however, noted that isolated localised thunderstorms could still occur in some parts of Gangetic West Bengal. He explained that such rainfall activity would remain highly regionalised, meaning areas located only a few kilometres away might receive no impact at all.

Meteorologists have also warned about the possibility of “dry lightning” in Kolkata and adjoining districts. Dry lightning refers to a weather phenomenon in which lightning and thunder occur with little or no rainfall reaching the ground. In many cases, raindrops evaporate while passing through dry layers of air before touching the surface.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh