Pictures by Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Residents across the state are reeling under stifling heat. Amidst this discomfort, the Alipore Meteorological Department has brought some welcome news. Forecasts indicate that starting Tuesday afternoon, several districts in South Bengal and various districts in North Bengal are likely to experience storms and rainfall. The oppressive, humid heat has persisted for quite some time now, leaving everyone in a miserable state. It seems there is no respite to be found from the intense heat typical of the month of Jaishtha. Now, the weather office has issued a significant update, predicting the possibility of rain in several locations. According to the bulletin from the Alipore Meteorological Department, the weather today—Tuesday—will remain warm, with maximum temperatures hovering between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius. However, a shift in weather conditions is expected to begin this afternoon.
Over the next 24 hours, the skies over Kolkata and its adjoining areas will remain partly cloudy. According to the forecast issued on Monday night, thunderclouds may form over certain parts of the city today. Isolated instances of light rain accompanied by lightning and thunder are possible, with storms and showers expected to commence after this afternoon. Specific alerts have been issued for several locations, particularly in the western regions and the Gangetic plains of South Bengal. As per the forecast, districts such as Bankura, Purulia, West Medinipur, and Jhargram are likely to receive rainfall today. Winds are expected to blow at speeds ranging from 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. A change in weather patterns is anticipated starting Wednesday, with rainfall intensity expected to increase. Rain is predicted for various areas, including Nadia, Murshidabad, Birbhum, East and West Bardhaman, and Bankura. In North Bengal, several districts may also experience rain today, specifically Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and North and South Dinajpur, where there is a possibility of heavy rainfall. Winds in these regions are also expected to blow at speeds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. The rainy spell in North Bengal is expected to continue until Wednesday.