A fresh spell of widespread rain is set to grip South Bengal as the season’s first low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal gathers strength. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for several districts, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the weekend.
Kolkata, which received overnight showers, is also expected to witness more rain along with thunderstorms and strong winds through Saturday.
Low-pressure system intensifies over Bay of Bengal
The low-pressure area that formed over the Bay of Bengal is likely to strengthen into a deep depression. According to the IMD, it is expected to move closer to the Bengal-Odisha coast by Saturday afternoon.
As the system advances, several parts of South Bengal are likely to receive heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Weather officials have issued red and orange alerts in view of the expected deterioration in weather conditions.
Kolkata weather today: Heavy rain, thunderstorms likely
After rain through the night, Kolkata woke up to cloudy skies on Saturday. The IMD has said that thunderstorms with heavy rain may begin at any time during the day.
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Strong gusty winds of 50 to 60 kmph are also expected. Rainfall may become more intense during the evening, and wet weather is likely to continue on Sunday and into next week.
The weather office has issued an orange alert for Kolkata. On Saturday, the city’s minimum temperature was 27.0 degrees Celsius, which was 0.3 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature was 33.2 degrees Celsius, 0.6 degrees above normal.
Red alert for South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore
The IMD has warned of severe weather across South Bengal on Saturday. A red alert has been issued for South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur (East Midnapore), where extremely heavy rainfall is expected.
An orange alert has been issued for Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur (West Midnapore) and Howrah due to the possibility of heavy rain.
More districts may face heavy rain on Sunday
According to the IMD, the weather situation could become more severe on Sunday. Red alerts may be issued for South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia and Bankura as extremely heavy rainfall is likely in these districts. Heavy showers are also expected across the remaining districts of South Bengal. The current spell of rain is likely to continue into next week.
Fishermen advised to stay away from the sea till July 7
The low-pressure system has made sea conditions rough along the coast.
In view of the expected weather conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until July 7.
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North Bengal weather forecast
North Bengal is not expected to receive widespread heavy rain immediately. However, a few districts may experience light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms.
The IMD has said rainfall activity could increase again from next week. Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Kalimpong are likely to receive heavy rain during that period.
FAQs:
Which districts are under the IMD’s red alert for heavy rain in South Bengal?
South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur are under a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall.
Will Kolkata receive heavy rain today?
Yes, the IMD has forecast heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds in Kolkata, with an orange alert in place.
