West Bengal is likely to see increased rainfall from Thursday as a low-pressure system over the Myanmar coast, adjoining south-eastern Bangladesh and the north-eastern Bay of Bengal moves north-northwestwards, while fishermen have been barred from entering deeper parts of the sea in specified areas.
According to the weather office report carried by Sangbad Pratidin, the system is expected to move towards areas adjoining south-eastern Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mizoram, Tripura and the north-eastern Bay of Bengal. It is also likely to weaken gradually over the next 24 hours. The system could make the sea rough along the Bangladesh and Myanmar coasts.
Rainfall is expected to increase in districts close to West Bengal’s coast on Thursday and Friday. Several other districts may also receive light rain. The report said there is no warning for fishermen operating close to the coast, but fishing boats have been prohibited from entering the deep waters of the north-eastern and east-central Bay of Bengal on Wednesday.
Wind speeds in the north-eastern and east-central Bay of Bengal could reach between 45 and 65 kilometres per hour. The restriction on deep-sea movement is intended to limit exposure to rough conditions as the weather system affects the adjoining coastal waters.
The report also forecasts scattered light rain in the upper districts of north Bengal from Wednesday. Five districts in the region are expected to receive scattered rain between Thursday and Sunday, while rainfall in north Bengal is likely to reduce from Monday. No major change in temperature is expected during this period.
Rainfall could increase again across parts of the state from Saturday to Monday, with moisture in the air likely to add to discomfort. The forecast comes just days before the festive season, when residents typically increase shopping and travel activity. The reported conditions could therefore affect outdoor movement and activity, although the report does not provide a district-wise assessment of possible urban waterlogging or transport disruption.
For coastal communities, the immediate operational issue is the restriction on deep-sea fishing. The next phase of the system’s movement and the expected weakening of the depression will determine how long rough conditions persist in the adjoining waters. The weather office’s forecast indicates that rainfall in coastal districts may rise from Thursday, while conditions in north Bengal are expected to ease from Monday.
