Kolkata sizzles at 36°C, storm relief ahead, assures Met

Kolkata: The maximum temperature in Kolkata touched 36°C on Friday — 1.4 degrees above normal. High humidity made conditions particularly oppressive, making it the hottest day of the year so far. Met office said temperatures are likely to ease gradually from Sunday, when thunderstorms are expected to lash the city. However, the mercury is likely to climb further on Saturday before any relief sets in.In Howrah, the temperature touched 39°C, while Dum Dum and Salt Lake recorded highs of 38.4°C and 37.9°C, respectively."We can expect the temperature to start going down from Sunday due to thunderstorm activities. In Kolkata, we expect light to moderate rain accompanied by gusty wind, thunder and lightning," said meteorologist Sourish Bandyopadhyay of Regional Meteorological Centre Kolkata.A powerful western disturbance is expected to cause rain in some western and northern states, including hailstorm and snowfall. This system is likely to influence the wind pattern or cause the formation of a trough, enhancing rain possibilities in Kolkata and the rest of south Bengal. "The presence of moisture is significant while the heating is set to cause instability," he added. Met officials said the city is likely to receive rain on at least two days between Sunday and Wednesday. For now, the forecast indicates light to moderate showers accompanied by gusty winds. However, sources said the intensity could increase depending on how the developing weather systems evolve. "There is a possibility of the intensity picking up, but that will be clearer only after the formation of a trough or an anti-cyclonic circulation," a source added.