On Saturday afternoon, a torrential downpour inundated several parts of the city, causing significant waterlogging and reduced visibility on major roads. The intense rainfall, peaking between 2pm and 4pm, submerged Central Avenue and adjacent areas, including Southern Avenue and the roadway beneath the Park Street flyover. Pavements across the affected regions were also overwhelmed by the deluge.
The Met office recorded approximately 20mm of rainfall in Alipore during the downpour. According to a meteorological official, the variability in cloud intensity could influence the intensity and distribution of the showers. The Met office has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall in south Bengal, with forecasts indicating further adverse weather conditions. The weather patterns contributing to this severe weather event are complex. A well-marked low-pressure area was reported over southeast Uttar Pradesh and adjacent northwest Madhya Pradesh on Saturday morning. This system is expected to progress westwards and evolve into a depression over west Madhya Pradesh by August 26, eventually moving towards south Rajasthan and adjoining north Gujarat by August 27.
Additionally, a cyclonic circulation is positioned over the north Bay of Bengal, hovering between 3.1 and 5.8km above mean sea level. This system is anticipated to generate a new low-pressure area over the region within the next 48 hours. The current monsoon trough, extending from Contai southeastwards to the northeast Bay of Bengal, and an east-west trough from the low-pressure area over southeast Uttar Pradesh to the northeast Bay of Bengal, further complicate the weather dynamics. Given the ongoing weather systems and the forecasted conditions, residents are advised to remain cautious and prepared for further rainfall and potential flooding. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to manage the impact of the heavy rains on the city’s infrastructure and daily life.