The West Bengal government on Tuesday intensified its preparations for the upcoming monsoon, with urban development and municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul conducting an extensive inspection of several waterlogging-prone locations across Kolkata and adjoining areas to assess the readiness of the civic infrastructure ahead of the rainy season.
Several Kerala districts are already under weather alerts as the IMD forecasts thunderstorms, gusty winds and widespread rainfall during the coming week.
The IMD had earlier forecast an early onset of the southwest monsoon around May 26, with a model error margin of ±4 days
Almost since the beginning of the year, social media platforms have been flooded with discussions around so-called “Super El Niño”, with many using the term to make alarming predictions about the Southwest Monsoon — the lifeline of India—in 2026.
Amid apprehensions of economic slowdown exacerbated by multiple factors such as crude oil price shock and currency depreciation triggered by the US-Iran conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, there seems to be some positive news regarding the southwest monsoon—the most awaited weather phenomenon in the country every year.
Very heavy rainfall has been forecast for the districts of West Midnapore, Jhargram, West Burdwan, Purulia, and Bankura. Districts including Birbhum, East Burdwan, East Midnapore, and South 24-Parganas are likely to receive heavy showers.
The Alipore Meteorological Office has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall today throughout the week across West Bengal, under the combined influence of the monsoon trough and a developing low-pressure area.
The wait for the monsoon ended when the southwest monsoon knocked Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday.
The West Bengal is bracing for intense rainfall and stormy conditions as the southwest monsoon inches closer to full arrival in the region.
A brief spell of scattered rainfall on Sunday brought temporary relief to parts of coastal south Bengal, but the respite was short-lived.
