A low-pressure area over the northwestern Bay of Bengal has intensified and is moving steadily towards the Odisha–West Bengal coast, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Kolkata and several districts of South Bengal.
Continuous rain has been lashing Kolkata and its adjoining areas since Sunday night, leading to waterlogging on several roads. The rainfall is expected to continue through Monday, with intermittent spells of moderate to heavy showers.
According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, the low-pressure system was located about 50 km south-southeast of Balasore (Odisha) and 60 km south-southwest of Digha (West Bengal) on Sunday. It is expected to move west-northwestwards and make landfall by Monday between Chandbali in Odisha and Digha in West Bengal, near Balasore.
After crossing the coast, the system is likely to move further north and cross the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border within the next 24 hours, the weather office said.
Very Heavy Rainfall Forecast
The southwest monsoon remains active over the state, with the monsoon trough extending from southwest Rajasthan through Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha to the Bay of Bengal.
The combined effect of the monsoon and the low-pressure system is expected to bring very heavy rainfall across large parts of South Bengal until Monday.
The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall on Monday in Kolkata, Howrah, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Purulia and Bankura.
An orange alert has been issued for East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram, where very heavy rainfall is likely.
North Bengal to Receive More Rain Later This Week
While South Bengal is expected to remain wet throughout the week, rainfall activity is likely to intensify in North Bengal from Tuesday onwards.
The IMD has forecast very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar on Wednesday and Thursday. North Dinajpur and South Dinajpur are also expected to receive heavy rainfall during the same period.
Strong Winds Along the Coast; Fishermen Advised Against Venturing Into Sea
Under the influence of the low-pressure system, coastal areas of West Bengal and Odisha are experiencing strong winds with speeds of 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph.
The weather department has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until Tuesday, citing rough sea conditions and strong gusty winds.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert, avoid waterlogged areas where possible, and follow official weather advisories as the low-pressure system moves inland.
