kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata woke up to a cloudy and noticeably cooler morning on Tuesday after a dramatic spell of storm, rain, and hail swept across the city the previous night, marking the season’s first Kalbaisakhi. The sudden weather change has brought significant relief from the rising heat, with temperatures dipping sharply below normal levels.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the city is expected to remain under a blanket of clouds throughout Tuesday, with intermittent sunshine breaking through at times. While the intensity of rainfall is not expected to match Monday night’s storm, light to moderate showers accompanied by thunderstorms are likely to occur in parts of the city, especially during the late afternoon or evening hours.

The impact of the overnight storm has been clearly reflected in Kolkata’s temperature readings. The minimum temperature dropped to 18.4 degrees Celsius, which is about 5.2 degrees below normal for this time of the year, offering an unusual early-morning chill for residents. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 32.9 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average.

Rainfall data further highlights the widespread nature of Monday night’s weather activity. Alipore recorded 18 mm of rain, while Salt Lake received 23 mm. Maniktala witnessed even higher rainfall at 26 mm, and both Behala and Jadavpur recorded 23 mm each. The storm was also accompanied by gusty winds and hail in several pockets, intensifying its impact across the city.

The weather office has indicated that this unsettled pattern is likely to persist over the next couple of days. Both Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to see continued chances of rain and thunderstorms across South Bengal, although widespread heavy downpours like the previous night are less likely. However, from Friday onwards, rainfall activity is expected to increase again, potentially accompanied by strong, gusty winds.

Across South Bengal, several districts remain under a yellow alert due to the possibility of thunderstorms and gusty winds. Districts such as North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Jhargram, and West Midnapore are likely to experience scattered rain with thunder and lightning. Wind speeds in some areas could reach up to 40–50 km per hour, raising concerns about localized disruptions.

North Bengal is also expected to remain under the influence of unstable weather conditions. Districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar are likely to witness widespread thunderstorms with rain. Meanwhile, Malda and the two Dinajpur districts may experience scattered showers. Gusty winds are expected to accompany these weather systems, similar to conditions in the southern parts of the state.

The sudden arrival of pre-monsoon storms has not only brought temporary respite from heat but also signals the onset of the typical seasonal transition marked by frequent thunderstorms in the region. Residents have been advised to stay cautious during lightning and strong wind conditions, particularly during late afternoon and evening hours when such systems tend to intensify.

Kolkata continues to experience this fluctuating weather pattern, the coming days are expected to remain dynamic, with clouds, rain, and occasional sunshine shaping the city’s midweek outlook.