Scattered rain, thunderstorms in south Bengal: IMD

Authorities have issued warnings of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds in parts of southern West Bengal through Thursday, though no significant rainfall is expected across the region until next week.

The southwest monsoon remains highly active in northern West Bengal, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting continued heavy to very heavy rainfall over the weekend in districts such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar. However, a brief lull in heavy rainfall is expected in these districts on Thursday and Friday. A deep depression that earlier intensified over Gangetic West Bengal has now weakened and shifted towards Uttar Pradesh. The monsoon trough currently stretches from Purulia through Kanthi to the northeast Bay of Bengal.

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According to the IMD, scattered spells of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms are likely in parts of south Bengal, including Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman, Jhargram, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia districts. Coastal and adjoining districts may witness gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h. Rainfall intensity is expected to gradually decline in southern districts, including Kolkata, where humid conditions are likely to prevail. The city recorded 3.6 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. The minimum temperature on Thursday was 26.6°C, 0.3°C below normal, while Wednesday’s maximum was 29.6°C, 3.2°C below normal. Relative humidity levels hovered between 95 per cent and 99 per cent. Over the next few days, temperatures in Kolkata are expected to rise slightly, ranging between 26°C and 31°C, with sporadic showers and increased discomfort due to high humidity. No continuous or heavy rainfall is likely across the southern region through the rest of the week.