Kolkata's Temperature Drops by 5 Degrees as Squall Hits; Further Thunderstorms Expected
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Kolkata, March 17 (NationPress) A strong squall with wind gusts reaching 72 kilometers per hour (KMPH) occurred on Monday night, resulting in a significant drop of five degrees in Kolkata's minimum temperature by Tuesday morning. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore has indicated that the city and surrounding areas in south Bengal are expected to face rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday evening as well.
This squall, followed by moderate rainfall, has caused the minimum temperature in the city to plummet to 18.4 degrees Celsius, which is 5.2 degrees Celsius lower than the normal range. Previously, the minimum temperature was noted at 23.6 degrees Celsius, thus restoring a sense of winter chill during the spring season.
The meteorological agency has reported the arrival of moisture-rich winds from the Bay of Bengal, which are likely to sustain the stormy and rainy conditions at least until Saturday. Afterward, the weather is expected to clear up, and rainfall should diminish.
A warning for thunderstorms and rain has been issued for Tuesday affecting North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Nadia, Birbhum, and Murshidabad districts, including Kolkata. Residents can expect gusty winds at speeds of 30–40 KMPH.
On Wednesday, light rain may occur in select regions of Purulia, Bankura, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia, while other areas will likely remain dry.
From March 19 to March 21, an increase in rainfall intensity is anticipated across various districts in south Bengal. Light to moderate rain, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds, is expected in parts of Jhargram, West Midnapore, Purulia, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Birbhum, and Murshidabad.
Squalls may also occur in certain districts, with wind speeds projected between 50 and 60 KMPH. On Saturday, March 21, nearly all districts in south Bengal are likely to experience rain and thunderstorms.
In addition to south Bengal, persistent rainy conditions are predicted for north Bengal. A warning for light to moderate rain with thunderstorms has been issued for all districts in north Bengal until March 23.
A 'yellow alert' has been activated starting Tuesday for the districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda. The meteorological department anticipates that these conditions will continue over the next five days.