Kolkata Experiences Temperature Surge to 35°C Following Thunderstorm Lull
The city of Kolkata witnessed a significant rise in temperature over the weekend, with the maximum mercury level touching the 35°C mark after a period of repeated thunderstorms. On a particularly warm Sunday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 35.2°C, while the minimum settled at 26.2°C. This marks a notable shift from the cooler conditions experienced just days earlier.
Recent Weather Patterns and Temperature Fluctuations
Last Friday, intense thunderstorms dramatically pulled the maximum temperature down to a much cooler 26.5°C, providing temporary relief from the heat. However, this cooling effect was short-lived. Earlier in the month, on April 4, the mercury had spiralled to a scorching 36.1°C, indicating the volatile nature of Kolkata's spring weather. The season's first major heat spell, which saw temperatures peak at that 36.1°C level, was subsequently broken by multiple thunderstorms and rainfall between April 5 and 9. These weather events brought the temperature down by several notches, offering residents a brief respite from the warmth.
Met Office Forecast: Warm and Humid Conditions to Persist
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata and the broader south Bengal region are set to remain warm and humid for the next seven days. Weather scientist Sourish Bandopadhyay explained the current conditions, stating, "With no significant weather system or cloud cover in place, the sun is beating down intensely, which is pulling the mercury upward. Chances of rain or thunderstorms are currently low across the city." He added that while a few isolated areas might experience localised thundershowers, these are likely to be mild and infrequent, providing little relief from the heat.
Bandopadhyay further noted, "The ongoing warm spell could potentially be broken after about a week, but as of now, there are no specific indications or forecasts confirming this. Residents should prepare for sustained high temperatures and humidity levels." This forecast suggests that Kolkata is entering a period of consistent warmth, with minimal meteorological disruptions expected.
Contrasting Conditions in North Bengal
While south Bengal, including Kolkata, braces for a warm and dry week, the weather outlook differs for north Bengal and the Hills. The Met office has predicted rain and thunderstorms at several places across these regions, indicating a stark contrast in weather patterns within the state. This divergence highlights the varied climatic influences affecting different parts of Bengal during this season.
As Kolkata transitions into this warmer phase, the recent temperature fluctuations serve as a reminder of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the region's weather. The city's residents, having enjoyed the cooling effects of last week's storms, now face a return to the heat, with forecasts pointing to a prolonged spell of warm and humid conditions ahead.
