Kolkata, 30 August (H.S.): A low-pressure area has formed over the north Bay of Bengal adjoining the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha and is likely to intensify while moving west-northwestwards towards the coast, the Alipore Meteorological Office said. The system, along with a cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above sea level, is expected to become more marked during the next 48 hours.

The weather system is likely to trigger heavy rain and gusty winds across several parts of South Bengal over the next few days. Kolkata may receive heavy rain of 7-11 cm on Sunday, accompanied by gusty winds of 30-40 kmph. Thunderstorms and scattered rain are likely to continue on Monday. Similar conditions are expected in Howrah, Hooghly and North 24 Parganas.

An orange alert has been issued for East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram, where very heavy rainfall of 7-20 cm is possible. Heavy rain is also likely in Purulia, Bankura, South 24 Parganas and West Burdwan. Rain is expected to continue in several districts until Tuesday and ease thereafter.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the coastal waters of West Bengal and Odisha until Monday as winds over the sea may reach 35-45 kmph, with gusts up to 55 kmph.

North Bengal is also likely to receive heavy rain, particularly in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri. Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 27.6°C on Sunday, while Saturday's maximum was 33.6°C.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey