Kolkata and several districts of south Bengal could see scattered rain and thunderstorms from Tuesday after a new low-pressure area is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal on Friday, according to the Alipore weather office as reported by Anandabazar. The forecast indicates renewed disruption risks for commuters and outdoor activity, although heavy rainfall is not expected at this stage.
A cyclonic circulation is currently located over the south-east and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal. It is expected to move gradually west-north-westwards over the next few hours and could lead to the formation of a low-pressure area over the south-east Bay on Friday. The system may then move north-north-westwards and intensify further, with the coastal districts likely to experience its influence.
Weather in Kolkata and the surrounding districts is expected to remain largely dry for now. Scattered showers could begin in isolated areas from Tuesday, with Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram among the districts that may receive one or two spells of rain. Thunder and lightning are also possible.
The forecast indicates more widespread scattered rain across south Bengal on Wednesday and Thursday. The same districts could remain affected, along with the rest of south Bengal. However, the report said there was no immediate possibility of heavy rainfall in any location. The forecast is relevant for the city’s roads, local transport and outdoor work because even short thunderstorms can temporarily reduce visibility and slow traffic, though the weather office has not forecast heavy rain in this update.
North Bengal is also expected to remain mostly dry in the immediate period. Scattered light rain may occur in some districts next week, while Darjeeling, Kalimpong and other northern districts could see light rain from Wednesday. Gusty winds and thunderstorms have also been forecast in parts of the region.
Temperatures are not expected to change significantly for now. Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 24.4 degrees Celsius on Friday morning, which was 1.4 degrees above normal. The city’s maximum temperature on Thursday was 32.6 degrees Celsius, 0.2 degrees above normal.
The next significant forecast window is Tuesday, when isolated rain may return to Kolkata and parts of south Bengal. The weather office’s subsequent updates will determine the distribution and intensity of rainfall as the Bay system develops and moves north-north-westwards.
