The monsoon has picked up pace across South Bengal as the season’s first low-pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal. The weather system is set to bring widespread rainfall over the next few days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy to extremely heavy rain in several districts.
According to the IMD, rainfall activity will intensify from Friday to Monday, while gusty winds are also expected across many parts of the state.
Low-pressure system to bring widespread rain across South Bengal
The IMD has forecast that thunderstorms and rain are likely to begin from Friday evening. A yellow alert has been issued for most districts of South Bengal as weather conditions turn more active.
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Wind speeds are expected to reach 30 to 50 kmph across Gangetic South Bengal after evening. In the coastal districts, gusts could touch 40 to 60 kmph. An orange alert has been issued for South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, where heavy rainfall is expected.
Red alert for Saturday as rain intensity increases
The weather is expected to become more severe on Saturday. The IMD has issued a red alert for South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. At the same time, Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur, and Howrah have been placed under an orange alert for heavy rain.
On Sunday, the zone of intense rainfall is expected to expand further. Extremely heavy rainfall has been forecast for South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, and Bankura.
Meanwhile, Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman, and Paschim Bardhaman will remain under an orange alert for heavy rainfall.
Kolkata weather: Rain and gusty winds likely through the weekend
For Kolkata, the IMD has predicted thunderstorms with rain from Friday evening.
The city may experience gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph, accompanied by lightning. Moderate rainfall is expected on both Saturday and Sunday, with spells of heavy rain likely at intervals.
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North Bengal to see lighter rain for now
Unlike South Bengal, rainfall over North Bengal is expected to remain comparatively less intense in the coming days.
The IMD has said that the hills and adjoining areas are likely to receive scattered light to moderate showers. However, rainfall activity is expected to increase from Tuesday.
Heavy rain is likely over Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. On Wednesday, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri could receive scattered heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms with rain are also likely across all districts of North Bengal, and an orange alert may be issued for the region.
FAQs:
Will Kolkata receive heavy rain this weekend?
Yes, the IMD has forecast moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds in Kolkata throughout the weekend.
How long will heavy rain continue in Kolkata and South Bengal?
According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is expected across Kolkata and South Bengal from Friday to Monday due to a low-pressure system.
