Kolkata: A refreshing spell of evening rain finally brought a brief, much-needed respite to Kolkata on Thursday, breaking a grueling five-day dry spell that had left the city sweltering under intense heat and high humidity. While the sudden thundershower was light to moderate in intensity, the accompanying cool winds worked quickly to lower ambient temperatures and cool down the parched metropolis.The impact of the evening rain was immediately reflected in the temperature charts. After hitting a scorching 36.4°C on Wednesday, the maximum temperature climbed down to 35.5°C on Thursday. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Alipore expects the mercury to hover comfortably around the 35°C mark on Friday.Meanwhile, the minimum temperature on Thursday was recorded at 29.7°C —nearly 30 °C and a significant 2.7°C above the seasonal normal. However, weather officials expect this nighttime temperature to slip down by Friday, bringing more comfortable conditions after dark.Kolkata residents can look forward to more than just a fleeting break from the heat. According to meteorologist Sourish Bandyopadhyay of the RMC Kolkata, this is just the beginning of a shift in the local weather pattern.“While the city could get a similar kind of rain activity on Friday too, there is a strong possibility of enhanced rain in Kolkata and other parts of South Bengal from Saturday onwards,” Bandyopadhyay stated.Met officials further noted that once this period of enhanced rainfall begins over the weekend, the city is highly likely to experience a sustained relief from the oppressive heat and humidity, lasting for at least a few days.