West Bengal is likely to see another spell of heavy rain as a low-pressure area is expected to develop over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas on Wednesday, August 12, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The system is likely to strengthen rainfall activity across south Bengal, with several districts expected to receive heavy to very heavy showers over the next few days.
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Heavy rain forecast in south Bengal
Most parts of south Bengal may receive light to moderate rain or thundershowers on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall of 7 to 11 cm is likely at isolated places in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly and Bankura.
North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur could receive 7 to 20 cm of heavy to very heavy rain.
Jhargram, Purulia and Paschim Bardhaman are also expected to receive heavy rain through August 15.
{{/usCountry}}Jhargram, Purulia and Paschim Bardhaman are also expected to receive heavy rain through August 15.
{{/usCountry}}Kolkata and neighbouring districts may witness thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph. Rainfall is likely to remain active across south Bengal through the week, with heavy showers forecast in several districts on Thursday and Friday.
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What is driving the rainfall?
The Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata, said an upper-air cyclonic circulation is currently lying over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas. It extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and tilts southwestwards with height.
Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region on August 12, increasing rainfall across Bengal.
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North Bengal to see fresh spell of rain
North Bengal, which received some relief after heavy rain last week, is likely to turn wetter again from August 14.
Heavy rainfall is expected in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar on Thursday, while Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar and other northern districts may receive heavy spells over the following days. The wet spell is likely to continue through August 17.
Kolkata records heavy overnight rain
Kolkata remained cloudy on Tuesday, with light to moderate rain still expected in parts of the city.
Heavy rain lashed northern parts of Kolkata on Monday night, inundating several roads and slowing traffic during the Tuesday morning commute.
Dum Dum recorded 101 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Tuesday, while Alipur received 62 mm, according to IMD data.
Fishermen advised against venturing into sea
The developing system has also prompted a warning for the coastal areas.
Squally weather with winds of 35 to 45 kmph and gusts reaching 55 kmph is likely along and off the West Bengal and Odisha coasts and over the north Bay from August 11 to 15.
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea during this period.