Kolkata Experiences Sudden Temperature Drop Due to Squall
Weather Update for Kolkata
Kolkata, March 17: A squall with wind speeds reaching 72 kilometers per hour struck on Monday night, resulting in a significant drop in Kolkata's minimum temperature by five degrees on Tuesday morning. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore has indicated that the city and surrounding districts in south Bengal may face rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday evening as well.
Following the squall and subsequent moderate rainfall, the minimum temperature in Kolkata fell to 18.4 degrees Celsius, which is 5.2 degrees below the normal level. This drop has reintroduced a winter-like chill during the spring season, with the previous day's minimum recorded at 23.6 degrees Celsius.
The meteorological department has noted that moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are contributing to these stormy conditions, which are expected to continue until Saturday. After this period, clearer skies and a reduction in rainfall are anticipated.
A warning for thunderstorms and rain has been issued for Tuesday in several districts, including North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Nadia, Birbhum, and Murshidabad, along with Kolkata. Gusty winds of 30–40 kilometers per hour are expected.
On Wednesday, light rain may occur in parts of Purulia, Bankura, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia, while the rest of the districts will likely remain dry.
From March 19 to March 21, an increase in rainfall intensity is predicted across various districts in south Bengal. Light to moderate rain, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds, may affect areas such as Jhargram, West Midnapore, Purulia, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Birbhum, and Murshidabad.
Squalls with wind speeds between 50 and 60 kilometers per hour are also possible in some districts. On Saturday, March 21, rain and thunderstorms are expected to impact nearly all districts in south Bengal.
In addition to south Bengal, rainy weather is forecasted to persist in north Bengal. A warning for light to moderate rain with thunderstorms has been issued for all districts in north Bengal, effective until March 23.
A 'yellow alert' for storms and rain has been activated starting Tuesday for Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda districts. The meteorological department has confirmed that these conditions are likely to continue for the next five days.