Thunderstorm hits city for 3rd day; flights hit

Kolkata: The city experienced a thunderstorm for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, with spells of rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and gusty winds. While wind speeds in most parts did not meet the threshold for a squall, Dum Dum recorded a strong thundersquall, with winds reaching up to 81 kmph.The showers kept temperatures below normal, but disrupted flight operations at Kolkata airport. Authorities suspended operations for 30 minutes between 5.45 pm and 6.15 pm as squall conditions and crosswinds made take-offs and landings unsafe. In total, 11 flights were affected. Five incoming flights were held mid-air, while six departures were delayed by 20 to 40 minutes, according to airport officials.This marks the second consecutive day of nor'wester-related disruptions. On Monday, four flights had to be diverted due to storm activity. That night, both Alipore and Dum Dum witnessed thundersqualls, with wind speeds of 63 kmph and 76 kmph respectively.According to a special Met department bulletin, an upper-air cyclonic circulation persists over Odisha and adjoining regions. A trough extends from Gangetic West Bengal to the Gulf of Mannar, passing through Telangana, Rayalaseema and Tamil Nadu. Combined with strong moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal, these conditions are likely to trigger enhanced thunderstorm activity across parts of West Bengal.Meteorologists said the current pattern is expected to continue at least till Thursday, bringing one or two spells of nor'westers across Kolkata and other districts. An approaching western disturbance is also expected to intensify the activity. "We expect higher rainfall intensity along with gusty winds from Wednesday," said HR Biswas of Kolkata Met office.The city is likely to receive another spell of rain on Thursday before a brief dry phase sets in. Monday night's 6-mm rain brought Tuesday's minimum down to 20.2°C, while the maximum settled at 32°C.