Thunderstorm likely in Kolkata today – Times of India

KOLKATA: A cloud cover engulfed the city on Wednesday afternoon, leading to a light drizzle in the evening, even as a low-pressure trough across central India threatened to trigger showers in the city and several south Bengal districts over the next 48 hours.
A thunderstorm is set to strike Kolkata on Thursday morning and light rain is likely till Friday, under the impact of the trough, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC). Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 33°C on Wednesday.
“A low-pressure trough has formed between Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. It will intensify and move towards south Bengal, triggering rain in the region. The western districts of Bengal — Bankura, Purulia and Birbhum — could receive moderate rain. At least one thunderstorm could strike Kolkata between Thursday and Friday,” said RMC director GK Das.
Once it rains on Thursday morning, temperature could drop in city. It will remain cloudy through the day. “The rain could be heavier in the western districts and the city may receive light rain. But a thunderstorm is likely,” said Das.
With the maximum temperature hovering around the 30°C-31°C mark, conditions in Kolkata are turning conducive for nor’westers, Das added. “It may not be scorching yet, but afternoons are getting warm. Since Tuesday, the maximum temperature has remained between 30°C, which is enough to generate heat for a nor’wester,” explained Das.
The year’s first thunderstorm struck city last Tuesday, leading to an intense shower in several parts of the city that lasted more than an hour. Some areas of north and east Kolkata received a hailstorm.
While the city received more than normal rain in January, the rain count dropped drastically last month. Kolkata received 85% less rain than normal in February. Gangetic West Bengal, too, received lower than normal rain with deficiency ranging between 31% and 100% in the districts.