Kolkata, 14 July (H.S.): After a brief lull in monsoon activity, weather conditions are expected to improve as a fresh low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal, raising hopes of widespread rainfall across several parts of the country in the coming days.

According to meteorologists, the weather system is generating strong upward air currents over the Bay of Bengal, creating favourable conditions for rapid cloud formation and the development of a well-marked low-pressure area. Such systems typically draw large volumes of moisture from the sea, resulting in widespread rainfall over land.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the system is likely to move gradually towards the Odisha and West Bengal coasts over the next two to three days. Rainfall activity is expected to intensify first over eastern India before spreading to parts of central and northern India.

Satellite imagery has already shown dense cloud formation over the Bay of Bengal, indicating a possible revival of the southwest monsoon. Meteorologists said that if the system strengthens further, several states could experience heavy to very heavy rainfall during the coming week.

The current monsoon season has witnessed uneven rainfall distribution across the country. While western and central India received heavy showers in early July, monsoon activity weakened significantly in the middle of the month, leading to below-normal rainfall in many regions. The prolonged dry spell also caused temperatures and humidity levels to rise sharply.

The rainfall deficit has affected agricultural operations, particularly the sowing of kharif crops. Cultivation of paddy, maize, pulses and other seasonal crops has been delayed in several areas due to inadequate rainfall, increasing concerns among farmers.

Weather experts, however, noted that short monsoon breaks are a normal feature of the southwest monsoon. This year's break, they said, has resulted in a more pronounced imbalance in rainfall distribution, making the newly formed low-pressure system particularly significant.

Experts expect the system to bring widespread rainfall to eastern, central and later northern India, helping reduce the rainfall deficit, lower temperatures and provide a much-needed boost to agricultural activities. The anticipated revival of the monsoon is also expected to bring relief to millions reeling under hot and humid weather conditions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey