Kolkata Weather: Temperature Feels Like 52°C As Residents Face Severe Heat Before Evening Thunderstorms

Kolkata weather remained under severe heat conditions on May 18, with Google Weather warning that the city could feel as hot as 52 degrees Celsius despite the actual temperature hovering around 38 degrees Celsius. However, after days of intense heat and humidity, the Alipore Meteorological Department has predicted thunderstorm rain and Kalbaisakhi activity later in the day that may bring temporary relief to residents.

According to the latest Kolkata weather forecast, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are likely to develop from Monday afternoon or evening across the city and several parts of south Bengal.

Kolkata Weather To Shift After Intense Heat

The city witnessed strong sunshine and uncomfortable humidity through the morning hours, worsening heat stress across several areas. Google Weather has issued an "Excessive Heat" alert for Kolkata, warning that severe heat conditions could continue until May 26.

Meteorologists said changing cloud patterns over Kolkata indicate an approaching pre-monsoon weather system associated with Kalbaisakhi thunderstorms, which are common in West Bengal during this period.

Thunderstorm Rain Likely In Kolkata Tonight

The Alipore Meteorological Department has forecast a partly cloudy sky over Kolkata during the second half of Monday. Localised cumulonimbus cloud formation is expected to trigger light to moderate rain with thunderstorms during the evening or night.

Along with rainfall, the city may also witness gusty winds and lightning activity for brief periods.

South Bengal Districts Under Weather Alert

Apart from Kolkata, districts including Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, Paschim Bardhaman and North 24 Parganas are likely to witness stronger Kalbaisakhi activity with moderate rainfall and winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph.

Other south Bengal districts may receive scattered light rain and temporary cooling conditions later in the day.

Rainfall Activity Continues In North Bengal

Weather officials said pre-monsoon conditions remain active over north Bengal as well. Districts such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and winds of 30 to 40 kmph.

Temporary Relief From Heat Expected

Weather experts believe the expected showers may provide temporary relief from the ongoing heatwave-like conditions affecting Kolkata and south Bengal. However, officials cautioned that the relief could remain short-lived as overall heat and humidity levels are expected to stay high in the coming days.

The weather department also clarified that a widely circulated rain-related photograph linked to the forecast was AI-generated and not an actual weather image.