Kolkata, 6 August (H.S.): Monsoon activity remains strong across West Bengal, with showers continuing in several parts of the state. The Meteorological Department on Wednesday forecast thunderstorms accompanied by rain in all districts of South Bengal, including Kolkata. A heavy rainfall alert has been issued for Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Nadia, where wind speeds may reach 30–40 kmph.

In North Bengal, the monsoon trough remains active along the Himalayan foothills. A cyclonic circulation over northern Bangladesh and an upper air circulation over Assam are triggering intense rainfall. Under their combined influence, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar are likely to receive heavy rain. Malda, North Dinajpur, and South Dinajpur may experience thunderstorms with winds of 30–40 kmph. A “yellow alert” has been issued for eight districts in North Bengal.

According to the Met office, rainfall in North Bengal is expected to intensify on Thursday, with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar likely to receive very heavy showers. The heavy rain could cause river levels to rise, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and landslides in hilly regions.

In South Bengal, heavy rainfall is likely on Wednesday in coastal and eastern districts. South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, and Nadia may see thundershowers, while light to moderate rain is expected across all districts, including Kolkata.

In Kolkata, skies are likely to remain mostly cloudy with scattered showers and wind speeds of 30–40 kmph. If rain does not occur, humid and sultry weather is expected due to high moisture content. On Wednesday, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 23.5°C, three degrees below normal, while Tuesday’s maximum was 31.6°C. Humidity ranged from 81% to 96%, and 27.6 mm of rain was recorded in the past 24 hours. Over the next 24 hours, temperatures are likely to hover between 25°C and 29°C.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh