A deep depression over the Andhra Pradesh coast is driving heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across West Bengal, with Kolkata, Howrah and South 24 Parganas among the areas facing intense showers on Thursday. The system is expected to weaken gradually after moving north-west over the next 36 hours, but heavy rain may continue in several districts through Friday.
The weather system entered the mainland late on Wednesday night near the south-west of Kalingapatnam on the Andhra coast. At the time, winds near the coastline were recorded at 55-65 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 75 kilometres per hour in some areas. The deep depression was later located about 80 kilometres north-north-east of Visakhapatnam and 170 kilometres south-west of Gopalpur in Odisha.
According to the report by Anandabazar, the system has carried substantial moisture inland from the Bay of Bengal. It is expected to move north-west with similar strength over the next 12 hours and then travel further north and north-west during the following 24 hours while gradually losing strength.
Rain began in Kolkata and other parts of southern West Bengal from Thursday morning. Heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms were expected around Thursday afternoon in parts of Kolkata, Howrah and South 24 Parganas. North 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Bankura, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur were also experiencing rain during the morning.
The two Medinipur districts and Jhargram face the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain on Thursday. Heavy rain is also expected in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman and Birbhum. In northern West Bengal, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar may receive heavy to very heavy rain, while Kalimpong, Cooch Behar and North Dinajpur may receive heavy rain. Gusts of 30-40 kilometres per hour are possible in some of these districts.
The forecast also points to continuing disruption on Friday. Heavy rain may affect Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur, Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman and Birbhum. South 24 Parganas and the two Medinipur districts may see gusts of 40-50 kilometres per hour, along with thunderstorms. In north Bengal, Jalpaiguri could receive heavy to very heavy rain in isolated areas, while Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Alipurduar may also experience heavy showers.
The weather is expected to improve gradually from Saturday in southern West Bengal, although scattered light to moderate rain may continue where thunderclouds develop. Skies are also expected to clear progressively in north Bengal, with isolated heavy rain still possible in Jalpaiguri. The forecast leaves local authorities and residents in vulnerable districts managing a period of intense rain, lightning and strong winds before conditions ease.
