South Bengal districts, including Kolkata, are likely to witness significant rainfall this week. According to the weather department, unsettled weather is expected to persist over the next 48 hours, from Monday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. There is a high likelihood of thunderstorms and intermittent heavy rain. Skies will remain mostly cloudy.
Temperatures are expected to stay consistent with recent trends, with highs around 31-32 degrees Celsius and lows near 27 degrees Celsius. High humidity will continue, adding to the muggy conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for West Bengal due to anticipated unstable weather in the coming days. A yellow alert and advisory have been issued for several districts, including Kolkata, Hooghly, Howrah, and Purba Bardhaman, urging residents to stay vigilant and follow safety precautions.
In Kolkata, the sky is expected to remain “generally cloudy,” with light to moderate rain or thundershowers likely. Meteorological experts at the IMD forecast light to moderate thunderstorms across South Bengal, occasionally accompanied by lightning and wind speeds between 30 and 40 km/h. Districts such as North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, and Hooghly may experience isolated episodes of heavy to very heavy rainfall around May 28 and 29, with rainfall amounts possibly ranging between 7 and 11 cm.
Kolkata is expected to see overcast skies beginning May 26, with light rain on the 26th and 27th. The likelihood of stronger thunderstorms will increase on May 28 and 29. During this period, temperatures are likely to range from 26 degrees Celsius at night to 34 degrees Celsius during the day.
A developing weather system over the west-central Bay of Bengal is being closely monitored. It is expected to intensify into a low-pressure area by May 27, potentially enhancing rainfall activity across coastal regions of the state starting May 28.
Looking ahead to early June, both North and South Bengal are forecast to receive frequent showers between May 30 and June 5. While South Bengal may experience a slight dip in daytime temperatures—2 to 3 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average—North Bengal is expected to maintain normal temperature levels.
Sharadiya Mitra is an intern with The Indian Express