A dramatic weather U-turn in Kolkata: After two days of heavy showers, the city’s maximum temperature plummeted 11 degrees Celsius on Saturday, ushering in an unusually cold March weekend. The IMD forecasts this respite from heat to last through Friday, with widespread rains threatening north to south Bengal.
Daytime temperatures had stubbornly stayed over 30°C until Friday’s evening rains persisted into Saturday, slashing the mercury overnight. Kolkata and south Bengal now grapple with a sharp cold snap, evoking winter more than late spring.
Official readings show Saturday’s high at 23.2°C—11°C below seasonal norms—and a low of 19.2°C, down 4.4°C. The chill has transformed streets, with light jackets making a comeback amid drizzles.
Behind the scenes, a sprawling western disturbance links northern Haryana to northern Chhattisgarh. Low-pressure zones linger over Uttar Pradesh and eastern Madhya Pradesh, while another hovers high in the troposphere. Bay of Bengal moisture supercharges the system, priming West Bengal for intense activity.
Expect thunderous rains in the coming 24 hours across key districts: Jhargram, East and West Midnapore, South and North 24 Parganas, and Kolkata. Lighter, scattered showers may hit other areas.
Looking to Monday, isolated light rain with thunder is likely in East and West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Purulia, Jhargram, Bankura, and West Midnapore. South Bengal’s remaining districts should stay relatively dry.
This unseasonal pattern disrupts daily life, from outdoor markets to construction sites. While it quenches summer thirst, authorities warn of potential flooding in low-lying zones. Kolkata’s weather rollercoaster highlights climate variability, reminding us to adapt swiftly to nature’s whims.