Kolkata and its neighbouring districts in south Bengal remain under the grip of a relentless heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 50°C for the third consecutive day on Monday. The scorching conditions, coupled with high humidity, have prompted the Met office to issue a heatwave alert for the region, extending till Thursday. However, relief is on the horizon, as thunderstorms are forecasted to sweep across the area by the weekend, offering respite from the sweltering heat.
According to officials from the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), residents of south Bengal must endure the oppressive heat for at least three more days before the anticipated thunderstorms bring relief. These thunderstorms are expected to occur between June 14 and 15, covering at least 50% of each district in the region. While there is optimism for relief, it remains uncertain whether this spell will trigger the onset of the southwest monsoon in south Bengal.
The delay in the onset of monsoon in Kolkata and its surroundings can be attributed to the presence of an anti-cyclone, situated between north and south Bengal, as well as between south Bengal and the Bay of Bengal. This weather pattern has impeded the progress of the monsoon, prolonging the period of intense heat in the region. However, the anticipated thunderstorms over the weekend may help disperse the anti-cyclone, potentially paving the way for the monsoon’s arrival.
Kolkata residents have been enduring challenging conditions, characterized by the dual impact of extreme heat and high humidity, reaching up to 85% on Monday. Moisture incursions from the Bay of Bengal have been limited to lower atmospheric levels, exacerbated by westerly winds pushing moisture closer to the ground. Additionally, sparse cloud cover has intensified the Sun’s glare, contributing to the real-feel temperature exceeding 50°C.
While there is a slight possibility of localized convection storms in the city over the next few days, the chances remain slim. Tuesday’s weather forecast indicates maximum and minimum temperatures of around 38°C and 30°C, respectively, continuing the trend of hot and humid conditions in Kolkata.
As residents brace themselves for a few more days of scorching heat, the anticipation of weekend thunderstorms offers a glimmer of hope for relief from the oppressive weather conditions plaguing Kolkata and its neighbouring districts. The Met office’s alert underscores the importance of staying vigilant and taking necessary precautions to mitigate the adverse effects of the ongoing heatwave.
