Kolkata, 31 March (H.S.): The weather office has issued a warning of thunderstorms with wind speeds of 50–60 kmph across seven districts of South Bengal, along with the possibility of lightning and light rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department’s Alipore centre said the sky over Kolkata remained cloudy since Tuesday morning, with light showers reported in parts of the city. Conditions are expected to remain mostly cloudy through the day, with chances of light to moderate rainfall in some areas and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph.

According to officials, thunderstorms may occur in parts of Bankura, Purba Bardhaman and Hooghly, where hailstorms are also likely. A wind alert of 50–60 kmph has been issued for districts including Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, Bankura, East Burdwan and Nadia.

From Wednesday onwards, weather conditions are expected to improve across most districts of South Bengal, including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, Purulia, Bankura, East and West Bardhaman, Birbhum and Murshidabad, with clearer skies and a gradual rise in temperature. However, districts such as North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore and Jhargram may continue to experience intermittent rain and thunderstorms.

The minimum temperature in Kolkata was recorded at 23 degrees Celsius, while the maximum on Monday stood at 32.5 degrees Celsius, with 4.4 mm of rainfall recorded.

Meanwhile, in North Bengal, a similar thunderstorm alert with wind speeds of 50–60 kmph has been issued for five districts. Light to moderate rainfall is expected to continue across the region till April 7, the Met office added.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey