Bengal weather: Rain likely from November 9 as cyclone's impact fades, winter chill delayed

Kolkata and other coastal areas of West Bengal have escaped the direct impact of Cyclone Murassu, but unsettled weather continues to affect parts of the state. Cloudy skies and light rain were reported in Kolkata and several South Bengal districts on Wednesday, while a few North Bengal districts may also receive scattered showers.

The Alipore Meteorological Department, however, has indicated that the change will be short-lived, with predominantly dry weather expected across both regions from Thursday. While there is little likelihood of rain during Kali Puja, another spell of showers could affect several districts from November 9.

Light showers likely across several districts

Habibur Rahman Biswas, eastern regional director of the Alipore Meteorological Department, said Cyclone Murassu had weakened into a low-pressure area. Although the system did not directly affect West Bengal, it could trigger light to moderate rainfall in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas over the next 24 hours.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also possible in Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, Jhargram, East and West Midnapore, and South 24 Parganas. Rain has already begun in some areas.

In North Bengal, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri may receive light showers. However, the weather is expected to turn predominantly dry across North and South Bengal from Thursday. The forecast currently indicates no significant rainfall during Kali Puja.

Another spell of rain forecast from November 9

The temporary dry spell may give way to another change in weather from Monday, November 9. Light rainfall is possible in several districts of both North and South Bengal, including Kolkata.

The Meteorological Department expects dry conditions to return after November 12. Temperatures may gradually begin to fall once the weather settles, although no specific date has been indicated for the onset of intense winter conditions.

Winter chill continues to elude Bengal

The arrival of winter in West Bengal is likely to be delayed further, with successive low-pressure systems and cyclonic disturbances disrupting the seasonal transition. Although residents experienced some mild chill during the nights and early mornings after the festive season, temperatures have remained relatively high.

Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 31.04 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, slightly above the seasonal average. The minimum temperature was 26.04 degrees Celsius, considerably higher than normal.

Temperatures have fallen somewhat in several districts compared with Kolkata, but a significant drop across the state is not expected immediately. The return of dry weather after November 12 could gradually bring down temperatures. However, the Alipore Meteorological Department has not yet specified when West Bengal can expect the onset of sustained winter conditions.