A low-pressure system that triggered widespread rain and thunderstorms across southern West Bengal earlier this week has weakened, but the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned on Wednesday that scattered rainfall and thunderstorms will continue in parts of the state.
While the system has now reduced to a low-pressure area, its residual effects are expected to linger. According to the IMD’s Alipore Weather Office, several districts in south Bengal, including Kolkata, may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 30–40 km/h. Wednesday began with overcast skies in Kolkata, and sporadic showers are likely throughout the day. Minimum temperatures in the city dropped to 25°C early Wednesday, about 1.9°C below normal.
On Tuesday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 29.3°C, which is 3.5°C lower than the seasonal average. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in eight South Bengal districts: North and South 24-Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Purulia, Bankura, East and West Burdwan. Light to moderate rainfall is expected to be scattered across the region. Northern West Bengal, too, remains under the spell of the monsoon. The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall (7 to 11 cm) in five districts—Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and North Dinajpur—on Wednesday.
Following a brief lull midweek another spell of heavy showers is forecast for the weekend in the northern districts, particularly on Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, the remaining northern districts are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall throughout the week. The IMD continues to monitor the evolving weather patterns, advising residents and local administrations to remain alert, particularly in districts under thunderstorm warnings.