Kolkata: The capital of West Bengal is set to experience a week-long spell of rain, according to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city has been issued a yellow alert for thundershowers and lightning, with moderate rain or thunderstorms expected on June 16 and 17, and temperatures ranging from 29 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius.
Weather Forecast for Kolkata
The IMD predicts that Kolkata will continue to receive rainfall throughout the week. On June 18, the weather will remain similar, with temperatures slightly dropping to between 28 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. By June 19, temperatures are expected to range from 26 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius, and on June 20, a further drop to 26 degrees Celsius to 34 degrees Celsius is forecasted. On June 21 and 22, the city may experience more rain or thunderstorms, with temperatures remaining steady between 26 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius. This period will bring a mix of heat, humidity, and intermittent rain, leading to cooler weather in Kolkata.
Understanding Kolkata’s Humidity
Despite the rainfall, Kolkata continues to struggle with high humidity levels. This persistent humidity can be attributed to the prevailing weather systems and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal. The rain, while providing some relief, does not fully counteract the moisture-laden atmosphere, leading to continued humid conditions.
Current Weather Systems
A cyclonic circulation over North Bangladesh and its neighborhood now lies over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level. Additionally, an east-west trough from northwest Bihar to east Assam now runs to Meghalaya across the cyclonic circulation over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal at 0.9 km above mean sea level. These systems are contributing to the expected weather patterns in the region.
Northern Limit of Monsoon
According to the IMD, the Northern Limit of Monsoon currently passes through 19.5°N/88°E, 21.5°N/89.5°E, 23°N/89.5°E, and Islampur. Conditions are favorable for the further advance of the Southwest Monsoon into some parts of South Bengal and the remaining parts of North Bengal over the next 4-5 days.
Weather Impact on Bengal
North Bengal: Due to the prevailing systems and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at a few places, with extremely heavy rainfall at one or two locations over the northern districts.
South Bengal: The western districts are likely to experience a heat wave along with hot and humid weather conditions over the next two days. Rain and thunderstorms are expected at a few places, providing some relief from the heat.
As Kolkata braces for a week of rain, residents can expect a temporary respite from the heat, though humidity levels are likely to remain high due to the ongoing weather patterns and moisture influx from the Bay of Bengal.
