After a brief spell of sunshine and rising temperatures, heavy rainfall is expected to make a comeback in several parts of West Bengal from Thursday onwards, the Alipore Meteorological Department has forecast.
The Alipore Met department has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall between 24 and 26 July. As a precautionary measure, fishermen have been advised to return to the coast by Wednesday afternoon. They have also been strictly prohibited from venturing into the sea for 48 hours starting 24 July. For the past two days, the monsoon seemed to have taken a back seat as intense heat and blazing sunlight dominated the weather. However, the relief from rainfall is likely to be short-lived.
According to the Met office, two low-pressure systems are forming — one over the northern Bay of Bengal from Wednesday and another in the sea region adjoining Bengal, Bangladesh, and Odisha.
These twin weather systems are expected to trigger widespread rainfall across coastal and adjoining districts, including North and South 24-Parganas and East and West Midnapore. Heavy rain is forecast in these areas starting Thursday, with the wet spell expected to continue through the weekend, possibly till 26 July. On Wednesday, heavy rainfall is expected primarily in coastal districts. By Thursday, 24 July, most parts of South Bengal are likely to experience rain, while on Friday, 25 July, even the western districts are set to receive heavy downpours.
The situation could worsen in low-lying regions like Ghatal and other parts of West Midnapore, which are still waterlogged from previous rains. There is concern that the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) might be forced to release more water, raising the possibility of fresh flooding in downstream areas.
Meanwhile, north Bengal is also bracing for more rain. The Alipore weather office has predicted heavy rainfall in the Terai and Dooars regions from Wednesday to Friday. Moderate rainfall is expected in other districts of north Bengal, with a gradual decrease in intensity later in the week.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, especially in flood-prone zones, as the dual low-pressure systems could significantly impact normal life across both South and North Bengal.
Tuesday’s maximum temperature in Kolkata is 28.6°C and minimum temperature 27.4°C, which is 0.9°C above normal. Monday’s maximum temperature: 32.6°C, which is 0.6°C above normal.