Kolkata, 03 September (H.S.) : West Bengal is likely to see a significant change in weather conditions on Thursday after several days of heavy rainfall. According to the Alipore Regional Meteorological Centre, the deep depression that had formed over Gangetic West Bengal has moved towards northeast Madhya Pradesh, bringing considerable relief from heavy rain to Kolkata and most parts of South Bengal.

However, with the monsoon trough remaining active, the weather office has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the hilly and foothill areas of North Bengal over the next 48 hours.

The weakening of the weather system over Gangetic West Bengal is expected to reduce the intensity and frequency of rainfall across South Bengal. Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, and East and West Midnapore are likely to remain mostly cloudy, with light to moderate showers at some places.

Despite the reduction in rainfall, a rise in temperature is expected amid cloudy conditions, leading to increased humidity. Kolkata, Howrah and Hooghly are likely to record a maximum temperature of around 34 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

The weather department has retained a yellow alert for several districts of South Bengal, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph during the afternoon and evening.

The situation is more concerning in North Bengal, where the weather office has issued an orange alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar are likely to receive intense rainfall at several places due to moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal.

Siliguri and adjoining areas are expected to record a maximum temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 25 degrees Celsius. In the hills, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, temperatures are likely to remain between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.

Continuous rainfall could trigger landslides along vulnerable roads in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Rising water levels in rivers flowing through the plains may also lead to waterlogging and localised flooding.

The weather department has advised the disaster management authorities to remain alert. Residents and tourists have been urged to avoid open areas, trees and waterlogged locations during thunderstorms and lightning. People travelling through the hills have also been advised to check road conditions before undertaking their journey.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh