Kolkata, 18 May (H.S.) : People across South Bengal continue to struggle with intense heat and humidity as the weather office has ruled out the possibility of heavy rainfall in the region for now. According to the Meteorological Department, cloudy skies are likely to increase discomfort and humidity levels further. Meanwhile, several districts in North Bengal are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few days.

On Monday morning, the first working day of the week, Kolkata witnessed bright sunshine accompanied by oppressive humidity, causing discomfort for residents. The weather office said there is currently no possibility of rainfall in the city, although the sky may remain partly cloudy.

The minimum temperature in Kolkata on Monday was recorded at 29.0 degrees Celsius, which is 2.3 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 35.8 degrees Celsius, which is close to normal for this time of the year.

The Meteorological Department stated that light to moderate thunderstorms and scattered rain may occur in some districts of South Bengal on Monday and Tuesday. Nadia, North 24 Parganas and Murshidabad are likely to witness more significant thunderstorm activity. Gusty winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour may also accompany the rain.

However, in the absence of heavy rainfall, heat and humidity are expected to persist across the region. Authorities have advised people to carry umbrellas and drinking water while stepping outdoors.

In contrast, North Bengal is expected to continue receiving widespread rainfall. Heavy rain is likely in the upper five districts, including Darjeeling, along with thunderstorms and strong winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour.

Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar may witness isolated heavy showers, while other districts of North Bengal are likely to receive light to moderate rain accompanied by gusty winds of up to 30 kilometres per hour.

According to the weather office, rainfall activity is likely to increase in South Bengal from Wednesday onward. The intensity of thunderstorms and rain is expected to rise across districts stretching from Malda to Darjeeling.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh