Kolkata, 25 August (H.S.): The Regional Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in parts of West Bengal during the last week of August, prompting authorities to issue an alert. The fresh spell of showers is expected due to a new low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal.

Officials said the earlier low-pressure zone that was active over the state has now shifted towards northeast Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, weakening its impact. As a result, rainfall in Kolkata and adjoining areas subsided from Sunday, with only light showers predicted for Monday.

However, from August 29–30, the developing system over coastal Odisha is likely to intensify, bringing heavy rains to South Bengal districts including South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, and Purulia. Wind speeds of 30–40 kmph are also expected. A yellow alert has been issued for these regions.

Rain is also forecast for North Bengal districts such as Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Kalimpong on Monday, though it is expected to ease gradually before intensifying again on August 29–30 over the hill regions.

The weather office has cautioned fishermen against venturing into the sea between August 26–28 due to rough conditions.

In Kolkata, skies are likely to remain overcast with intermittent light to moderate showers and thunder. On Monday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 28.2°C — 4.5 degrees below normal — and a minimum of 26.0°C, slightly below average. Humidity levels ranged between 88% and 97%.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh