Rain and thunderstorms affected Kolkata and several parts of south Bengal on Friday, while the India Meteorological Department warned of gusty winds and thunderstorms across the region until September 20, raising the likelihood of further disruption to roads and daily travel.
The IMD forecast a generally cloudy sky over Kolkata and adjoining areas, with one or two spells of rain expected until Saturday morning. It also forecast gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph across the south Bengal districts.
A low-pressure area is likely to form over the north Andaman Sea on Saturday and move towards the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coasts over the following three to four days, according to the weather office. The developing system is expected to influence rainfall and storm conditions across parts of eastern India.
The latest spell has already affected urban movement around Kolkata. Heavy rain in Salt Lake near the city on Thursday caused waterlogging on roads and triggered traffic snarls during the evening commute. Traffic was lighter on Friday, however, because the state government had declared a holiday for Biswakarma Puja.
Rainfall recorded during the 24 hours until 8.30 am on Friday showed the uneven intensity of the spell across the state. Alipurduar received the highest rainfall at 105 mm, while Salt Lake recorded 69 mm. Diamond Harbour received 50 mm and Bardhaman recorded 45 mm, according to IMD data.
The weather office also forecast rain and thunderstorms across north Bengal until Saturday, with heavy rain possible at one or two places in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri. Jalpaiguri recorded 51 mm and Darjeeling 41 mm during the same period.
For Kolkata, the immediate risks identified in the report are waterlogging, slower road movement and hazardous conditions during thunderstorms and gusty winds. The forecast period extends through September 20, meaning commuters and civic agencies will have to contend with the possibility of repeated rain spells rather than a single isolated shower.
The IMD’s next forecast for Kolkata covers conditions until Saturday morning, while the wider south Bengal warning remains in effect until September 20. Authorities and residents will be watching rainfall intensity, wind conditions and the development of the low-pressure area over the north Andaman Sea.
