Kolkata Gripped by Unseasonal Chill After Thunderstorm and Hail Event
The city of Kolkata was jolted by an unexpected weather shift as overnight thunderstorms on Friday gave way to persistent drizzle and overcast skies lasting into Saturday morning. This meteorological event, which included hailstorms in certain areas, precipitated a sharp decline in temperatures, transforming the city's climate within hours.
Precipitation and Temperature Data Reveal Significant Impact
Rainfall measurements recorded 19.8 mm on Friday followed by 3.4 mm on Saturday, culminating in a two-day total of 23.2 mm. The cloud cover and precipitation exerted a profound cooling effect, with the minimum temperature plummeting from 25.4°C on Friday to 19.2°C on Saturday—a substantial six-degree drop. More dramatically, the maximum temperature fell from 30.9°C to 23.2°C, representing an eleven-degree deviation below seasonal norms.
Meteorological Mechanisms Behind the Weather Anomaly
Regional Meteorological Centre weather scientist Sourish Bandopadhyay explained that this weather pattern resulted from the convergence of two distinct atmospheric features. A low-pressure trough positioned over south Bengal interacted with a western disturbance stretching from Haryana to Chhattisgarh, creating conditions conducive to thunderstorm development. Moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal further intensified these weather phenomena.
Most Kolkata neighborhoods experienced continuous rainfall from 2 AM until approximately 11 AM on Saturday, characterized as consistent though not exceptionally heavy. South Kolkata residents reported hailstorm activity between 2 AM and 3 AM during this period.
Regional Weather Patterns and Forecast Predictions
Beyond Kolkata, several districts including Bankura, Jhargram, Purulia, West Midnapore, and West Burdwan experienced severe thunderstorms and precipitation on Saturday. Purulia had recorded the highest temperature in south Bengal at 36.3°C just days before the weather shift, while Raiganj in north Bengal reached 35°C.
According to Bandopadhyay, the influence of the western disturbance is expected to diminish from Saturday night, with the low-pressure trough gradually moving away from the region. This transition should result in clearer skies by Sunday, though localized rainfall may persist. The city may experience cloud cover during Sunday's first half without significant precipitation or thunderstorm activity.
Temperature Projections and Extended Outlook
Meteorologists anticipate temperatures will remain substantially below normal levels, with minimums around 19°C and maximums approximately 29°C. The persistent cloud cover and ongoing moisture incursion will maintain these cooler conditions, with gradual warming expected as skies clear over the next 24-hour period.
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a statement indicating that multiple south Bengal districts may continue experiencing rainfall and hailstorm conditions over the coming week, suggesting this weather pattern represents more than a brief anomaly.
