kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, June 25: Days of intense heat and humidity, relief arrived in the form of heavy monsoon showers across Kolkata and several districts of South Bengal on Thursday. However, the welcome rainfall quickly turned into a weather emergency as torrential downpours, thunderstorms, and strong winds prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for Kolkata and several neighboring districts. So intense was the weather system that large parts of the city experienced near-darkness during the afternoon, with thick storm clouds covering the sky and reducing visibility dramatically.

The Alipore Meteorological Department, the most severe phase of the weather was expected to unfold during the evening and night. Red alerts have been issued for Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and Bankura, where heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph is likely.

The impact of the rainfall was felt almost immediately. After barely an hour of continuous rain, waterlogging was reported from several major roads and low-lying areas across Kolkata, affecting traffic movement and daily life. Commuters faced difficulties as rainwater accumulated on streets, while sudden thunderstorms and strong winds forced many residents indoors.

forecast by weather officials, a dramatic change in weather conditions swept across Kolkata and adjoining districts shortly after noon. Dense clouds covered the sky, followed by repeated lightning strikes, strong winds, and persistent rainfall. The stormy conditions extended beyond the city to districts including Howrah, Hooghly, East Bardhaman, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and several other parts of South Bengal.

Meteorologists have warned that rainfall intensity could increase significantly during the night, particularly across Kolkata, Howrah, both 24 Parganas, Hooghly, and parts of East and West Midnapore. Residents have been advised to avoid staying in open areas during thunderstorms and to seek shelter in safe locations due to the risk of lightning strikes. Similar weather conditions are expected to affect Bankura, Purulia, Nadia, and Murshidabad during the latter part of the day.

The renewed spell of monsoon activity has been attributed to a trough line extending from North Bihar through Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, and Odisha to the northwestern Bay of Bengal. This weather system has enhanced moisture flow into the region, creating favorable conditions for widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across both South Bengal and North Bengal.

Weather officials believe the unstable atmospheric conditions are likely to persist throughout the weekend. While North Bengal has already been experiencing continuous rainfall over the past several days, South Bengal has witnessed a pattern of sunny mornings followed by intense afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Experts expect this trend to continue for the next few days.

The Alipore Weather Office stated that Kolkata and many districts of South Bengal would experience partly cloudy skies from the morning onward, accompanied by high humidity levels. As a result, uncomfortable and sultry conditions may prevail whenever rainfall temporarily subsides.

Kolkata and its neighboring districts, weather warnings have also been issued for North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Bardhaman, West Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia. These districts are likely to witness thunderstorms, rain, and gusty winds with speeds ranging from 30 to 40 kmph. The weather department has indicated that such conditions may continue until at least Monday.

North Bengal is also expected to receive substantial rainfall. Yellow alerts have been issued for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar due to the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain. Authorities have warned that continuous precipitation in the hill districts could increase the risk of landslides and road disruptions.

The administration has urged both local residents and tourists to remain vigilant and follow weather advisories closely. Particular caution has been advised in the hill regions, where unnecessary travel has been discouraged due to the threat of landslides and adverse weather conditions.

The monsoon is once again becoming active across West Bengal, and its influence is expected to remain strong over the coming days. With widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds forecast across multiple districts, authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the state prepares for an extended spell of unsettled weather.