Monsoon Alert Kolkata Set For Heavy Rainfall On Sunday
Kolkata is set for a rain-soaked Sunday as a fresh low-pressure system, forming over the Bay of Bengal, moves toward the region. The Met department warned of heavy to very heavy rain across several south Bengal districts. With gusty winds and thunderstorms forecast, residents are being urged to stay alert. Overcast skies and scattered showers persisted throughout Saturday, providing a preview of what’s coming.
According to meteorological assessments, an upper-air cyclonic circulation hovering over southwest Bangladesh and Gangetic Bengal is influencing this developing low-pressure system. Forecasts indicate it will gradually travel west-northwestwards across Gangetic West Bengal, north Odisha, and Jharkhand. Simultaneously, an east-west trough extending from the circulation zone into central India is likely to intensify rainfall. Experts suggest the monsoon activity has been enhanced by these systems, with rainfall likely to intensify over the next 48 hours.
Kolkata witnessed light showers on Saturday, with the Alipore station recording nearly 17mm between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. While the showers were not intense, they were persistent. Skies remained grey throughout the day, and the maximum temperature dipped to 28.6°C — four degrees below normal. The cooler conditions, however, are unlikely to continue, as the city prepares for potentially stronger spells of rain on Sunday and early next week.
Forecasts predict heavy to very heavy rainfall (7–20 cm) in districts like South 24-Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, and Bankura. Meanwhile, Kolkata, North 24-Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Purulia, and the Burdwan districts are expected to receive heavy showers (7–11 cm). Thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph and frequent lightning strikes are also expected across these areas, prompting alerts for both commuters and local authorities.
The regional monsoon entered South Bengal on June 17 and has since remained active, bolstered by back-to-back weather systems. On Monday, districts including East Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, and Purulia are set for continued heavy to very heavy rain. The combination of widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty conditions may disrupt normal life in both urban and rural zones, with the potential for localised flooding and travel delays, especially in low-lying areas.
With a fresh weather system forming over the Bay of Bengal, Kolkata and surrounding districts face a high chance of heavy rainfall over the next two days. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, while residents are advised to prepare for possible disruptions. As the monsoon deepens its grip on south Bengal, the next 48 hours could bring intense weather and waterlogging risks
