Kolkata, 2 September (H.S.) – A new low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring widespread rainfall across West Bengal, with the Alipore Meteorological Department forecasting showers from Tuesday.

According to the forecast, several districts of South Bengal, including Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly, will witness light to moderate rainfall accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph. Northern districts such as Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar may see isolated heavy downpours on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea from Monday to Wednesday along the Bengal–Odisha coastline due to rough conditions.

The weather office also warned of thunderstorms and squally winds in Kolkata and Howrah from Monday night onwards. Rainfall, which had subsided in South Bengal since Saturday, had caused rising discomfort due to heat and humidity. However, several low-lying areas remain waterlogged from earlier spells of heavy rain.

The fresh bout of rainfall is raising concerns among farmers, particularly ahead of Durga Puja. Continuous downpours have already damaged crops and inundated fields, with reports of vegetables and flowers rotting due to stagnant water. Flower growers fear a shortage of lotus, hibiscus, and other seasonal flowers during the festive season if weather conditions do not improve soon.

With the fresh low-pressure system forming in the Bay of Bengal, cultivators, fishermen, and traders alike are anxious about further crop damage, fishery losses, and rising prices of vegetables in local markets during the festive season.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh