Kolkata, 2 August (H.S.) – While heavy rainfall has eased across parts of South Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts in North Bengal, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the weekend and early next week.
A shift in monsoon patterns has led to the weakening of rainfall intensity across South Bengal as a cyclonic circulation has moved northward. The monsoon trough now stretches from Purulia and Kanthi to the Bay of Bengal, resulting in scattered rainfall over southern districts and a significant reduction in widespread heavy showers.
Districts including Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, Birbhum, and Bardhaman are not likely to witness heavy downpours. However, isolated pockets may experience light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h.
Weather officials have indicated that from Sunday through Wednesday, rainfall in and around Kolkata will gradually subside. However, a spike in temperature and relative humidity is expected to cause discomfort due to sultry and oppressive weather conditions.
The Alipore Meteorological Department recorded only 0.9 mm of rain in the city over the past 24 hours. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 32°C, while the minimum may stay close to 26°C. Humidity levels remain high, with the maximum at 98% and minimum at 81%. The sky is likely to remain mostly cloudy with occasional light to moderate showers.
In contrast, North Bengal is bracing for severe weather. Districts such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar are forecast to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall from Saturday to Monday, with some areas likely to record rainfall up to 200 mm. This raises the risk of landslides in hilly regions and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
The IMD has also warned of a possible rise in water levels in rivers such as Teesta, Torsha, and Jaldhaka, posing a flood threat to adjoining regions. Both Uttar Dinajpur and Dakshin Dinajpur districts have also been flagged for potentially heavy rainfall during this period.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
