Kolkata, 18 April (H.S.) : With the onset of the Bengali month of Baisakh, heat conditions have intensified across South Bengal, with strong sunshine and rising humidity causing discomfort to residents. The Alipore Meteorological Department said temperatures are likely to rise further across large parts of the region. However, thunderstorms and rain are expected in five districts of South Bengal on Saturday, while rainfall activity is also likely to continue in North Bengal.

According to the weather office, districts such as Kolkata, Howrah and Hooghly are unlikely to receive rain for now, and dry weather conditions are expected to prevail there.

On Saturday, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning may occur at isolated places in Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia. These districts may also witness Kalbaisakhi-like storm activity, with wind speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph.

From Sunday onwards, heat and humidity are expected to increase again in these districts. An alert has also been issued for Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura and Paschim Bardhaman.

The Meteorological Department said a trough line extends from North Bihar to South Chhattisgarh across Jharkhand. In addition, a cyclonic circulation remains active over North Coastal Odisha and adjoining areas. Intermittent dry winds from the west and northwest are also influencing the weather pattern.

As a result, most parts of South Bengal are likely to experience hot and humid conditions from Sunday to Thursday, with isolated spells of thunderstorm activity and rain at some places.

In North Bengal, rainfall is expected to continue for the time being. Heavy rain is likely in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri on Saturday, while other districts may witness scattered showers accompanied by thunder and lightning.

Wind speeds in North Bengal may reach 40 to 50 kmph. Due to the prevailing storm and rain activity, temperatures in the region are not expected to rise significantly.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh