Kolkata, 17 September (H.S.). Overcast skies covered Kolkata and several parts of South Bengal on Wednesday morning, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting light to moderate rainfall throughout the day. The showers may affect Vishwakarma Puja festivities across the state.

According to the IMD, the low-pressure system formed over the Bay of Bengal has now extended its influence up to Jharkhand, bringing significant moisture into the region. Its impact is expected to be more prominent in western districts of Bengal, where thunderstorms accompanied by rain are likely. Wind speeds may also reach 30 to 40 kmph in some areas.

In Kolkata and across the Gangetic South Bengal districts, intermittent light to moderate rain is expected, though the IMD has ruled out any possibility of heavy rainfall. Cloudy skies are likely to keep daytime temperatures lower than usual, while nighttime temperatures will remain largely unchanged.

Rainfall activity is expected to decrease from Thursday and remain subdued until Saturday. However, on Sunday, which coincides with Mahalaya, the IMD has forecast another round of light to moderate rain. Once the rains recede, residents may have to endure increased humidity and uncomfortable conditions.

Meanwhile, in North Bengal, widespread rain is set to continue until Friday. Districts such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar have been placed under alert for heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms. Several other areas in the northern region are also likely to receive light to moderate rainfall at different intervals.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh