A low-pressure system over the Myanmar coast, adjoining southeastern Bangladesh and the northeastern Bay of Bengal is expected to increase rainfall across West Bengal from Thursday, while fishermen have been advised not to venture into the deep sea on Wednesday, according to a report citing the weather office.
The system is expected to move north-northwest towards southeastern Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mizoram, Tripura and adjoining areas of the northeastern Bay of Bengal. The report said it would gradually weaken over the next 24 hours. Its immediate effect is expected to be a rise in rainfall over districts near the coast on Thursday and Friday.
Several other districts may also receive light rain. The forecast comes days before the puja season, when residents across the state typically increase shopping and travel activity. The report said the possibility of rain could affect outdoor plans, although it did not indicate that all festival-related activity would be cancelled.
The weather office has forecast a further increase in rainfall between Saturday and Monday, with moisture in the atmosphere likely to contribute to discomfort. No major change in temperature is expected during this period, according to the report.
Northern West Bengal may see scattered light rain from Wednesday, with intermittent rainfall expected across five districts between Thursday and Sunday. Rainfall in the northern districts is expected to reduce from Monday. The report did not specify the names of the five districts.
Maritime conditions are expected to remain rough along the Bangladesh and Myanmar coasts. Wind speeds in the northeastern and east-central Bay of Bengal may reach between 45 and 65 kilometres per hour. While no warning has been issued for fishermen along the coast, fishermen have been prohibited from entering the deep waters of the northeastern and east-central Bay of Bengal on Wednesday.
The advisory highlights the need for coastal fishing communities to track weather bulletins before leaving shore, particularly when a system is moving across the Bay of Bengal and surrounding coastal areas. Restrictions on deep-sea movement are intended to limit exposure to stronger winds and rougher sea conditions while the system develops.
For residents, the forecast currently points to increased rain rather than a major temperature shift. Coastal districts are likely to see the most noticeable change on Thursday and Friday, while wider parts of the state may receive lighter showers. The next key forecast window is Saturday to Monday, when rainfall may increase further before conditions improve in northern West Bengal from Monday.
