Kolkata, 05 August (H.S.) : Rain continued to lash Kolkata and large parts of South Bengal on Wednesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast persistent cloudy conditions and an increase in rainfall across several districts of the state.

According to the Alipore Meteorological Centre, the monsoon trough currently extends across West Bengal, while a low-pressure system persists over Bihar. The combined influence of these weather systems is expected to keep rainfall activity active across both South and North Bengal.-----

Cloudy Conditions to Persist in Kolkata

The IMD has forecast that Kolkata will remain predominantly cloudy throughout Wednesday, with light to moderate rainfall likely at intervals. Relative humidity is expected to remain around 99 per cent, making weather conditions humid despite the rain.

The city recorded a maximum temperature of 31.7 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26.7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Between 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Kolkata received 14.1 mm of rainfall.--------

Heavy Rain Warning for South Bengal

Rainfall activity is expected to intensify across South Bengal on Wednesday. The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall alert, forecasting 7 to 11 cm of rain in Birbhum, Murshidabad, East Bardhaman and West Bardhaman districts.

The weather department has indicated that rainfall may increase further on Thursday, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph. Rain is likely to continue across the region until Friday, while conditions are expected to improve from Saturday with a gradual reduction in rainfall intensity.-------

Very Heavy Rain Forecast for North Bengal

North Bengal is likely to witness the most severe weather conditions over the next two days. The IMD has predicted very heavy rainfall ranging between 7 and 20 cm in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts.

Heavy rainfall is also expected in Malda, North Dinajpur and South Dinajpur, accompanied by strong winds of 30 to 40 kmph.

According to the weather office, conditions in North Bengal are expected to improve from Friday, with a gradual decline in both the intensity and spread of rainfall across the region.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, particularly in districts under heavy and very heavy rainfall warnings, as continued precipitation could lead to waterlogging and localized disruptions.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh