A system that is expected to end a prolonged dry spell in Kolkata is set to take shape over Jharkhand from Tuesday.
“Kolkata is most likely to get rain on March 18 and 19 (Saturday and Sunday),” said a Met official. “Gusts of wind clocking around 30-40kmph are expected along with rain.”
The city has been without uniform rain since October 24-25.
“Thunderstorms with lightning/hailstorm with light to moderate rainfall are very likely over the districts of Bengal during March 14 to 20,” said a bulletin issued by the Met office in Alipore on Monday.
A cyclonic circulation is set to form over Jharkhand from Tuesday. Under its influence, a trough of low pressure will take shape. The system will lead to strong moisture flow from the Bay of Bengal, said a Met official.
North Bengal is likely to be affected on Tuesday and Wednesday and the intensity is likely to go down from Thursday. Between Wednesday and Sunday, south Bengal is expected to get thunderstorms, accompanied by rain.
“If the system over Jharkhand is strong enough, it can also trigger strong winds. We will have a better idea in a couple of days, after the system has taken shape. But the dry spell in Kolkata is likely to end. The city is likely to get uniform and widespread rain in the weekend,” said G.K. Das, director, India Meteorological Department, Kolkata.