Kolkata experienced a warm and humid Saturday with a maximum temperature of 34.8°C, despite a squall on Friday night. The Met office predicts similar conditions until at least Tuesday, with daytime temperatures hovering around 35°C. However, the approaching southwest monsoon increases the likelihood of thunderstorms and rain.
Monsoon Advances
A bulletin from the Regional Meteorological Centre on Saturday stated: "Southwest monsoon has advanced into some parts of southeast Arabian Sea, southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal, many parts of Andaman Sea, entire Nicobar Islands, and some parts of Andaman Islands, including Sri Vijay Puram."
Enhanced Thunderstorm Activity
Due to favorable wind patterns and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, enhanced thunderstorm and associated activities are very likely over north Bengal districts from May 16 to 18. On Saturday, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph struck several south Bengal districts, including Jhargram, Bankura, Burdwan, North 24 Parganas, Hoogly, Nadia, and West Midnapore.
Forecast for South Bengal
Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue across south Bengal on Sunday and Monday. Districts such as Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, West Burdwan, Jhargram, North 24 Parganas, and Nadia may experience thunderstorms from Sunday to Wednesday.
North Bengal Alerts
North Bengal is set to receive more severe thunderstorms over the next six days from May 17. An alert for heavy to very heavy rain has been issued for Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri on Sunday. Heavy rain is likely at one or two places in Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, and Kalimpong. All north Bengal districts could receive thunderstorms and lightning on Sunday, with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms continuing until May 22.
