Kolkata, 26 July (H.S.) -
A fresh spell of monsoon turbulence is set to grip West Bengal, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting intermittent to heavy rainfall across several districts for the next seven days. The weather instability is linked to a low-pressure system that had formed over the Bay of Bengal and has now moved inland toward Jharkhand, while continuing to impact southern Bengal.
According to the Alipore Meteorological Office, the system shifted early Saturday and is currently located approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Ranchi and around 120 kilometers west-northwest of Jamshedpur. Over the next 36 hours, it is expected to progress further toward Chhattisgarh, northeastern Madhya Pradesh, and southeastern Uttar Pradesh.
Heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms are likely on Saturday and Sunday in several districts including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, East and West Bardhaman, and Jhargram. Wind speeds in these areas could range between 30 to 40 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 60 km/h in isolated pockets.
Saturday may bring particularly heavy rainfall to South 24 Parganas, Bankura, and Purulia, while the impact will likely shift to Nadia and Murshidabad on Sunday. On Monday, North 24 Parganas and Nadia are expected to experience intensified downpours, followed by widespread rainfall across Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, East and West Midnapore, East Bardhaman, and both Parganas on Tuesday. Due to the potential for very heavy rainfall—ranging from 7 to 20 cm—in North and South 24 Parganas, the IMD has issued an Orange Alert for those regions.
From Saturday to Tuesday, strong winds with speeds of 40 to 50 km/h are forecast over the north and central Bay of Bengal as well as the coastal regions of Bengal. At times, wind speeds may increase to 60 km/h. In light of these conditions, the IMD has strongly advised fishermen against venturing into the sea during this period.
Northern Bengal is also expected to witness significant rainfall. On Saturday, warnings have been issued for Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar. Heavy rainfall is expected in Darjeeling and Kalimpong on Sunday, and again on Monday in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, North and South Dinajpur.
The weather office has confirmed that the monsoon is currently in full swing over Bengal, and no immediate relief is expected. Continuous light to heavy rainfall is likely across the state over the coming days. Residents are advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay indoors as much as possible.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
