South Bengal to Experience a Rise in Temperatures by Up to 5°C; Rain, Thunderstorms Continue Until Midweek

Kolkata, May 5 After a brief spell of unseasonal rain and thunderstorms, the mercury is expected to rise again across southern West Bengal. According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, districts in South Bengal — including Kolkata — are likely to witness a 3°C to 5°C rise in temperature towards the end of this week.

While the recent weather patterns have offered some respite from summer heat, conditions are set to change. Meteorologists predict a return to drier conditions from Thursday onward. Until then, scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue to affect both northern and southern parts of the state.

Rain, Gusty Winds Expected in South Bengal Till Wednesday

Starting Monday, intermittent light rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Kolkata and surrounding districts. Similar weather is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, with gusty winds blowing at 30–40 km/h. In districts such as Nadia, Murshidabad, and Birbhum, wind speeds may escalate to 40–50 km/h.

An official weather alert remains in effect through Wednesday for North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Medinipur, Nadia, and Murshidabad districts, cautioning residents about strong winds and localized thunderstorms.

North Bengal: Continued Rain Through Tuesday

In North Bengal, the weather remains unstable with a similar forecast of rain and thunderstorms for the early part of the week. Districts such as Darjeeling and Kalimpong are also under alert due to expected gusty winds ranging between 40–50 km/h. After Tuesday, however, conditions are expected to gradually become drier across the region.

Heat to Return by End of Week

Despite the current cooling effect of rains, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that both North and South Bengal will begin experiencing rising temperatures after Wednesday. Over the next three days, daytime temperatures may climb by 3°C to 5°C, especially in southern districts.

Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 26.1°C on Monday — within the normal range — while Sunday’s maximum temperature stood at 34.2°C, which is 1.2°C below normal.

Cyclonic Circulation and Trough Triggering Showers

The current spell of unseasonal weather is being influenced by a cyclonic circulation over the Gujarat coast, parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, and the Ganga-Bengal-Jharkhand belt. A trough extending from Bengal through Odisha to Andhra Pradesh is also active, supporting localized rain and thunderstorms in the region.

Outlook for the Week Ahead

• May 6–8: Rain and thunderstorms to persist, especially in the mornings and evenings.

• May 9 onward: Weather likely to remain dry with a gradual rise in temperatures.

• Safety Advisory: Residents are advised to remain indoors during high wind periods and avoid open areas during lightning activity.