Kolkata Weather: Thunderstorm Brings Relief, More Rain Expected Thursday
Kolkata was lashed by another powerful thunderstorm on Wednesday evening, continuing a recent spell of pleasant weather that has provided much-needed relief from the heat. The sudden downpour, accompanied by strong gusty winds, significantly lowered temperatures across the city and surrounding districts.
Storm Details and Meteorological Observations
The Alipore Meteorological Office recorded 8 millimeters of rainfall within just one hour during the intense weather event that commenced around 7:30 PM. The storm arrived shortly after weather authorities issued a red alert for Kolkata, Howrah, and adjacent districts, with squally winds sweeping through the urban landscape before the rain began in earnest.
H R Biswas, head of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata, provided insight into the weather patterns: "We anticipate one or two additional spells of rain on Thursday, though with reduced intensity compared to Wednesday's storm. With no fresh weather systems developing in the region, conditions are expected to turn sunny and dry starting from Friday."
Geographical Impact and Temperature Effects
The weather disturbance affected not only Kolkata but also several districts in south Bengal, including:
- Howrah
- North 24 Parganas
- South 24 Parganas
Meteorological sources reported that wind speeds averaged approximately 50 kilometers per hour in southern parts of Kolkata, with even higher velocities recorded in northern and eastern areas of the city. The combination of rain and wind caused temperatures to plummet almost instantly during the storm's peak.
Temperature Statistics and Forecast
Wednesday began with bright, sunny conditions, but cloud cover increased significantly by late afternoon. The maximum temperature reached 31°C during the day, which represented a substantial 4.2 degrees below normal seasonal levels. During the thunderstorm, temperatures dropped further to around 25°C, while the minimum temperature settled at 21.8°C, marking a 3.4-degree departure below normal.
This recent weather pattern has maintained below-normal temperatures for four consecutive days, providing residents with a welcome break from typical seasonal heat. According to meteorological predictions, temperatures will gradually increase beginning Friday as drier conditions return to the region.
The Wednesday evening storm persisted for nearly one hour, delivering both precipitation and atmospheric cooling that transformed the city's weather landscape within a remarkably short timeframe.
