Kolkata Weather Update Nor westers Bring Welcome Relief as Temperature Dips
Kolkata, traditionally known for its sweltering heat during the peak summer months, has experienced a significant dip in temperatures, offering respite to residents who have endured the harsh summer.
Following a powerful nor’wester that swept through the city on Saturday night, the mercury dropped sharply by six degrees on Sunday, plunging to a minimum temperature of 23.6°C — a full two notches below the usual norms for this time of year. The maximum temperature, too, saw a decline, standing at 34.2°C, marking a considerable shift in the city’s weather pattern. The Meteorological Department has forecasted that this cooler trend will likely continue for the next several days, as more nor’westers are expected to hit the region. With the arrival of moisture from the sea, coupled with shifting wind patterns, the city is set to experience temperatures between 32°C and 34°C throughout the week, accompanied by thunderstorms and occasional rainfall. Saturday’s nor’wester not only affected Kolkata but also brought relief to several western districts of South Bengal, including Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, West Midnapore, and West Burdwan.
These areas, which had been grappling with intense heatwave conditions, saw heavy rainfall that significantly reduced temperatures, offering a much-needed respite to the locals. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), the ongoing nor’wester conditions, driven by favourable air circulations, are expected to continue until Wednesday. In a statement, a senior weather scientist from RMC explained, “The upper and lower air circulations are ideal for the formation of nor’westers, which will keep the temperatures lower. The wind patterns, combined with moisture influx from the sea, ensure that this cooler weather persists. For Kolkata, the cooler weather comes as a relief to residents who have been preparing for the peak of the summer season. The expected drop in temperature, particularly the predicted decline in minimum temperature, is likely to enhance comfort levels across the city. The minimum temperature could slide further down to 31°C by Tuesday, with a similar decrease in the maximum temperature over the coming days.
Moreover, the RMC has predicted that the impact of the nor’wester will also be felt across the city, gradually cooling down the atmosphere by about four degrees in the next two to three days. As these thunderstorms are expected to persist through the week, locals can expect continued relief from the stifling heat, a change that will no doubt be welcomed by many. The winds will carry with them a significant amount of moisture, which means that residents can also expect intermittent showers. These thunderstorms, though sporadic, will not only help alleviate the heat but also contribute to keeping the city’s air quality at more breathable levels, providing a double benefit in terms of environmental relief. While Kolkata enjoys this unexpected drop in temperature, the western districts of South Bengal remain under the influence of the nor’wester, continuing to experience both rainfall and cooler conditions. The reduction in heatwave-like conditions in these areas is an encouraging sign, suggesting that the city and its surrounding regions may be on the brink of a much-needed break from the oppressive summer heat. Overall, this sudden shift in the weather highlights the dynamic nature of the region’s climatic patterns and serves as a reminder of how climate phenomena, such as nor’westers, play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance. As the region braces for more rainfall and cooler days, the people of Kolkata and its neighbouring districts are bound to find the ongoing weather a welcome relief in these unpredictable times.
With the onset of more thunderstorms, it’s clear that Kolkata’s residents can look forward to a relatively cooler week ahead. The nor’wester not only provides immediate relief but also underlines the need for sustainable urban weather preparedness. As cities like Kolkata continue to face the challenges of a warming climate, adapting to such natural events is critical to ensuring an eco-friendly, sustainable, and comfortable urban environment for all.
