Kolkata, 30 May (H.S.): After a prolonged spell of intense heat, the impact of Kalbaishakhi storms has brought significant relief to South Bengal. Strong winds and rainfall on Friday led to a sharp drop in temperatures across Kolkata and several other districts.

According to the Meteorological Department, Kolkata's minimum temperature fell from 28.2 degrees Celsius on Friday to 23 degrees Celsius on Saturday, providing much-needed respite from the sweltering conditions that had prevailed over the past several days.

However, weather officials have cautioned that the relief may be short-lived. Temperatures are expected to start rising again from Monday, with heat conditions likely to intensify by the middle of next week.

On Saturday morning, Kolkata witnessed partly cloudy skies with occasional sunshine. The weather office has forecast thunderstorms, rain, and gusty winds in the city and surrounding areas throughout the day. Similar pleasant weather conditions are expected to continue on Sunday.

Several districts, including East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, East and West Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad, are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by rain and strong winds on Saturday. No major change in weather conditions is expected across these districts on Sunday.

The Meteorological Department has indicated that temperatures across South Bengal may begin rising from Monday. By Wednesday, temperatures in several parts of the region could increase by two to three degrees Celsius.

In North Bengal, districts such as Malda, North Dinajpur, and South Dinajpur are expected to receive moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms on Saturday. Winds with speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour may also affect these areas.

Rainfall activity in North Bengal is likely to decrease on Sunday and Monday. However, weather officials have indicated that the chances of rainfall may increase again from Wednesday onwards.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey