Kolkata, 21 August (H.S.).

The Alipore Meteorological Department has issued a fresh alert for heavy rainfall across West Bengal, cautioning that the intensity of showers is likely to increase from Friday onwards.

According to the forecast, most districts of South Bengal are set to receive moderate rainfall with thunderstorms on Thursday, accompanied by strong winds reaching up to 50 kmph. The department has further warned that coastal and western districts may witness heavy to very heavy rain on Friday and Saturday. Fishermen have been strictly advised to avoid venturing into the sea during this period. The districts under high alert include North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, and Purulia.

In North Bengal, heavy rainfall has also been predicted from Thursday. Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Kalimpong are expected to receive significant showers, while Malda, North Dinajpur, and South Dinajpur are likely to face heavy rainfall on Saturday and Sunday. The department has expressed concern that continuous rain could trigger a rise in water levels of the Teesta, Torsa, and Jaldhaka rivers, posing a flood risk.

Meanwhile, in Kolkata, the minimum temperature on Thursday was recorded at 26°C, with the maximum expected to reach 29°C. The average temperature is likely to remain around 27°C throughout the day. Wind speeds are forecast at 5.13 kmph, with gusts up to 8.29 kmph, blowing from the 223-degree direction.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh