kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, July 24: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Alipore, has forecast widespread rainfall across West Bengal over the next 48 hours as the southwest monsoon remains highly active over the region. According to the latest weather bulletin, both North and South Bengal are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall on July 24 and July 25, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph.

Meteorologists have warned that the active monsoon system is likely to intensify rainfall across several parts of the state, affecting both the Himalayan districts in the north and the Gangetic plains in the south. Residents have been advised to remain alert as intermittent heavy showers and thunderstorms may disrupt normal life in many districts.

South Bengal, the intensity of rainfall is expected to remain high across the Gangetic region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Nadia, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Bankura, and Purulia.

Weather officials said that almost every district in South Bengal is likely to witness rain-bearing thunderclouds during the next two days. Heavy spells of rain, lightning activity, and strong gusty winds are expected to affect daily life, particularly during afternoon and evening hours. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious while travelling during periods of intense rainfall and thunderstorms.

North Bengal, particularly the Himalayan and Dooars regions, is expected to receive even heavier rainfall during the next 48 hours. According to the weather department, the five districts likely to experience the most intense rainfall are Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar.

The weather office has also warned that these districts may experience gusty winds with speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph, along with persistent heavy rain. The continuous rainfall may lead to reduced visibility on mountain roads, increasing the risk for motorists travelling through the hill regions. Local authorities have advised drivers to exercise caution while navigating steep and winding roads.

The IMD has further cautioned that prolonged rainfall could result in waterlogging in low-lying areas, causing inconvenience to residents and disrupting transportation in several parts of the state. Urban areas may experience temporary flooding due to poor drainage, while rural regions could also witness localized inundation.

The active monsoon conditions are expected to continue over the coming days, with favourable atmospheric conditions supporting widespread rainfall across West Bengal. Weather experts have urged residents to stay updated with official forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours, and follow advisories issued by local authorities to minimise risks associated with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.

The monsoon remains vigorous, both the hill districts and the plains of West Bengal are likely to witness significant weather activity over the next two days, bringing much-needed rainfall but also raising concerns over waterlogging, reduced visibility, and localized disruptions across several parts of the state.