Heat wave to continue in city, no rainy respite

Heat waves will continue in Kolkata for the next two-three days as there are no clear indications of rain in the city. As expected, the scorching heat made a comeback in Kolkata and adjoining cities, with the mercury reaching the 40-degrees mark.

On Sunday, the regional meteorological centre – Kolkata, recorded day's maximum temperature at 40 degrees Celsius, which was four degrees above normal average, almost equivalent to heat wave conditions.

According to meteorologists, after the passage of the western disturbance from Jammu and Kashmir, hot and dry northwesterly winds have been blowing across the state including Kolkata.

"No relief is in sight for the next 24-48 hours as meteorologists do not expect any weather activity till then," indicated a meteorologist.

Thereafter, with the passage of fresh western disturbance over Jammu and Kashmir, a cyclonic circulation or trough over the northwestern plains is expected. This would lead to intermittent pre-monsoon rains and thundershowers over Kolkata.

The dust storm along with lightning strikes may also occur in a few areas. However, as usual, these activities will take place during the later part of the days or in the early morning hours.

Hence, there may not be much impact on the temperatures but the rise of mercury would be slightly arrested. A seen slight dip will also be seen in the day's temperatures as well but that will be for a very brief period.

Skymet Weather, a private weather forecasting organisation indicated that Kolkata would witness spells of pre-monsoon rains and thundershowers on May 10. These pre-monsoon activities will take place during the evening hours of the day or early morning hours.

"As we proceed further in the month, pre-monsoon rain and thundershowers will also increase. This is also the time for hailstorm," the meteorologist added. Till May 5, Kolkata has recorded 4.3 mm of rain, whereas, the monthly average rainfall for May stands at 133 mm.