kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, June 12: The monsoon has already made its arrival in North Bengal, and now the long wait for the districts of South Bengal is expected to come to an end. The Alipore Meteorological Department has stated that conditions have become highly favourable for the advancement of the southwest monsoon into South Bengal on Saturday. Although the usual date for the arrival of the monsoon in South Bengal is June 10, meteorologists believe that this year it is likely to enter around three days later, marking a slight delay in the seasonal progression.

The official arrival of the monsoon, Kolkata and surrounding regions are already experiencing pre-monsoon showers. According to the weather department’s forecast, weather conditions in South Bengal on Friday are expected to remain similar to Thursday. Kolkata and several districts of Gangetic West Bengal may witness moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds during the afternoon or evening hours, creating favourable conditions for Kalbaishakhi storms. The intensity and frequency of lightning, however, are expected to be lower compared to the previous two days, providing some relief to residents.

Meteorologists have predicted that rainfall is likely to continue almost every day in Kolkata and various districts of Gangetic West Bengal until June 14. Among the South Bengal districts, relatively heavier rainfall is expected in Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia. As a result, the weekend is likely to witness a stronger monsoon atmosphere across South Bengal, bringing much-needed relief from the uncomfortable humid conditions that have persisted over the past several days.

The hilly and upper districts of North Bengal are expected to experience full-fledged monsoon rainfall throughout the next seven days. During the next three days, the possibility of heavy rainfall remains highest in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri. Along with heavy rain, strong gusty winds with speeds of 40 to 45 kilometres per hour may also sweep across these districts, the weather office has warned.