Kolkata finally experienced much-needed rain relief on Thursday evening as a thunderstorm swept across the city. The downpour, accompanied by gusty winds, caused the mercury to plummet by approximately three degrees within minutes, dropping from around 30°C to 27°C. The Regional Meteorological Centre has indicated that more rain is likely in the coming days.
Heat and Humidity Ease After Dry Spell
The city had been enduring hot and humid conditions due to the absence of rain for over a week. However, temperatures and humidity levels began to decline slightly from Wednesday, when brief rain and gusty winds were recorded.
Meteorological Factors Behind the Thunderstorm
Meteorologist Sourish Bandyopadhyay of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata, explained the weather patterns: 'There is a cyclonic circulation over Jharkhand, a trough extending from Uttar Pradesh to Andhra Pradesh across Jharkhand and Odisha, strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, along with a favourable wind pattern, which are causing the current thundershower activity. We can expect similar thundershower activity on Friday as well, providing continued relief from heat and humidity.'
The rainfall was not uniform across the city on Thursday. Northern parts experienced intense spells with thunder and lightning, while southern and central areas received lighter rain. Wind speeds during the thunderstorm ranged between 50 kmph and 60 kmph, according to a Met official.
Temperature Trends
Both the maximum and minimum temperatures on Thursday were below normal, recorded at 34.4°C and 25.8°C respectively. The minimum temperature had remained above normal for the past ten consecutive days, even touching the 30°C mark three days ago. Both daytime and nighttime heat indices are expected to dip slightly further by Friday.
However, Bandyopadhyay added a note of caution: 'The possibility of rain in the city gradually diminishes by Saturday, and we might enter into another dry spell.'
Additional Information
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