Cloud cover brings no respite from stifling heat

KOLKATA: A hot and humid Monday morning was followed by a cloudy afternoon that turned out to be even more uncomfortable for Kolkatans. While the northern and eastern fringes of the city received scanty rain, the rest remained dry and the maximum relative humidity touched 87%.
A cyclonic circulation in Bangladesh triggered the cloud cover, said weathermen, adding that the moisture generated by the system made the already humid conditions worse.
RMC director G K Das said sporadic rain may occur in pockets of the city over the next 48 hours. “The circulation in Bangladesh has led to a substantial moisture incursion that has turned the conditions more uncomfortable. But the chances of heavy rain are slim. It will continue to be humid till we have a big rain-triggering system hitting the region.”
This September has been relatively dry and extremely humid with the average humidity touching 70%. It will remain high till the city received heavier showers, said a source. “In September, big systems are rare so the volume of rain goes down. As the showers dry up, humidity rises, making the conditions uncomfortable,” explained Das.
“It is not unusual to have three-four days of continuous rain in September. But as of now, we have no significant system in the region. The monsoon trough, too, has moved south. So, the heavy showers are ruled out for at least the next three-four days. But sporadic showers are likely over the weekend,” added Das.