kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata | July 1 : Kolkata and several districts across South Bengal are likely to experience a significant increase in rainfall activity over the upcoming weekend as the weather system over the Bay of Bengal becomes more active. According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, a low-pressure area is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal by Friday, which is likely to intensify rain-bearing conditions across the region. Under its influence, Kolkata and several districts of South Bengal are expected to receive heavy rainfall over the weekend, while three districts could witness extremely heavy showers. North Bengal, meanwhile, is also expected to continue receiving scattered rainfall over the coming days.

The weather office has forecast heavy rainfall during the next 24 hours in the districts of West Midnapore, Jhargram, Nadia and Hooghly. In addition to persistent rain, thunderstorms accompanied by strong gusty winds are expected in Bankura, Purulia, Purba Bardhaman, Jhargram, Hooghly and Nadia, raising the possibility of localised disruptions. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious as changing weather conditions may affect transport, daily activities and low-lying areas.

Meteorologists have further stated that light to moderate rainfall is likely across all districts of South Bengal on Thursday and Friday. However, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate from Saturday onward as the developing low-pressure system gathers strength. Heavy rainfall is likely in North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram, while thunderstorms and widespread showers are expected to continue across the remaining districts of South Bengal.

The rainfall intensity is expected to increase further on Sunday. According to the latest forecast, South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur could receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, raising concerns over possible waterlogging, flooding in vulnerable areas and disruption to normal life. Other districts of South Bengal are also expected to witness continuous rain and thunderstorm activity throughout the day.

There is, however, some relief in store for North Bengal. The Alipore Meteorological Department has indicated that the intensity of rain and thunderstorms is likely to reduce from Thursday onward across the northern districts. Nevertheless, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue in all eight districts of North Bengal until next Monday. A yellow alert has been issued for the region due to the possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds. Despite the continued wet weather, the department has clarified that there is currently no forecast of heavy rainfall in North Bengal during this period.

The possibility of a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal and rainfall expected to intensify across large parts of South Bengal, weather officials have urged residents to stay updated with official forecasts and advisories, especially those living in flood-prone and low-lying areas, as the weekend could bring prolonged spells of heavy rain and challenging weather conditions.