First Rain in Months Drops Max 4.4°C, Lows Fall Below 20°C
The city of Kolkata experienced its first rainfall in nearly four months on Tuesday, with showers prompting a notable drop in temperatures. According to the Alipore Meteorological Office, the maximum temperature fell by 4.4°C, reaching 26.8°C, while the minimum temperature dipped below 20°C to 19.2°C. This drop was 0.3°C below the normal level.
First Rain in Months: Weather Overview
The shower on Tuesday delivered 6.3 mm of rain, a welcome change after dry weather since October 30. Meteorologists indicated that rain was unlikely to continue, with the weather expected to clear up by Wednesday.
Temperature Trends
- Maximum Temperature: 26.8°C (4.4°C below normal)
- Minimum Temperature: 19.2°C (0.3°C below normal)
- Rain Recorded: 6.3 mm
The weather had been consistently warmer in recent days, with temperatures hovering between 30°C and 31°C. However, as conditions stabilized, rising temperatures are anticipated, potentially reaching the 30-degree mark once again by Wednesday.
Weather Changes and Predictions
HR Biswas, head of the Regional Meteorological Centre, noted that the rain was induced by warm, moist winds from the Bay of Bengal, along with a trough line extending from Gangetic Bengal to coastal Andhra. This system affected Kolkata and various districts in South Bengal, including Howrah and South 24 Parganas.
As the winds shift to drier westerlies, officials predict that while temperatures may rise, the lower humidity will make conditions more comfortable. “Moisture is not flowing in any longer due to the changing wind pattern. Thus, even as temperatures increase, low humidity will keep the weather pleasant for the next few days,” Biswas added.
Historical Context
In the past 15 years, there has generally been some rainfall in Kolkata during February, except in 2023 and 2018. Last year, the city recorded a significant 47.8 mm of rain in February, including 47.7 mm on February 21 alone.
