A fresh low-pressure system is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal this week, raising the possibility of intense rainfall and thunderstorms across several districts of West Bengal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The Alipore Meteorological Department has issued weather alerts for multiple districts in South Bengal, including Kolkata, as gusty winds and widespread rain activity are expected to continue over the next few days.
Officials said the changing weather pattern is being driven by a trough line extending from South Madhya Pradesh to Jharkhand, along with a cyclonic circulation over Bihar. These systems are drawing significant moisture from the Bay of Bengal, creating favourable conditions for thunderstorms and heavy showers.
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Orange alert issued for several districts
An orange alert has been sounded for western districts such as Purulia, Bankura, East Medinipur, West Medinipur and Paschim Bardhaman, where wind speeds may touch 60 kmph.
Kolkata, Howrah, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Murshidabad, Birbhum and Jhargram are also likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by winds blowing at 40-50 kmph.
The Met office said that if the low-pressure area strengthens by Tuesday, rainfall intensity may increase further across South Bengal. Districts including Paschim Bardhaman, Purba Bardhaman, Bankura and Purulia could experience stronger storms and heavy rainfall activity. Scattered thunderstorms are also likely in Kolkata on Monday.
Heavy rain forecast for North Bengal
North Bengal districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar are expected to receive heavy rainfall till Thursday.
Thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph have also been forecast in parts of North Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar. According to the IMD, the intensity of rain and storms in North Bengal may gradually reduce from Friday onwards.
The weather office added that all districts of Bengal are expected to receive thunderstorms and rain on Monday, prompting a yellow alert in most regions.
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Temperature likely to stay under control for now
Due to persistent cloud cover and rainfall, temperatures are expected to remain relatively stable over the next few days. Kolkata’s maximum temperature is hovering around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 23 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
However, meteorologists said heat and humidity levels may rise again later this week if rainfall activity decreases.
