The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall across several districts of South Bengal as a cyclonic circulation strengthens over the region, leading to the formation of a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal.
According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, the cyclonic circulation over South Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh has triggered the development of the low-pressure system, which is likely to become more marked over the next two to three days. In addition, the monsoon trough remains active, stretching from Rajasthan through Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand to the Bay of Bengal coast, enhancing rainfall activity across the state.
The IMD has issued a heavy rain alert for South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Paschim Bardhaman, Jhargram, Purulia and Bankura over the next two days. These districts are expected to receive 7 to 11 cm of rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph in isolated areas.
Kolkata, however, is unlikely to witness heavy rainfall. The city is expected to experience scattered spells of rain and thunderstorms on Sunday and Monday, with gusty winds of 30–40 kmph. Weather conditions are expected to improve from Tuesday, with only isolated light showers likely across South Bengal.
The low-pressure system has also made sea conditions rough over the Bay of Bengal. Winds over the sea are expected to blow at 35–45 kmph, prompting the IMD to advise fishermen not to venture into the sea until Monday. Sea conditions are expected to improve thereafter.
In North Bengal, rainfall activity will continue through the week. Darjeeling is likely to receive heavy rain between Tuesday and Thursday, while Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong are expected to witness heavy rainfall from Monday through Saturday. Alipurduar and Cooch Behar may also experience isolated heavy showers from Tuesday onwards, with the IMD issuing a Yellow Alert for these districts. No weather warnings have been issued for Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur and Malda, although intermittent rainfall is expected.
On Sunday morning, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 26.5°C, 0.2°C below normal. The city's maximum temperature on Saturday was 29.6°C, around 3°C below the seasonal average, reflecting the persistent influence of monsoon conditions.
