Heavy rain lashed Kolkata from Thursday morning as a strengthening weather system over the Bay of Bengal moved closer to West Bengal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure area over the north Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is expected to enter Gangetic West Bengal within the next few hours.
The advancing system is likely to bring widespread rain across South Bengal through the day, raising concerns over Rath Yatra celebrations. Gusty winds are also expected to accompany the showers.
Kolkata weather today: Heavy rain likely throughout Rath Yatra
Rain began early in Kolkata on Thursday and is expected to continue in spells through the day.
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The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in the city, prompting weather alerts for parts of Kolkata. Strong, gusty winds may also occur during periods of intense rain.
The department has warned that heavy rainfall is likely to continue on Friday as well. It added that rainfall activity could increase further during the remaining days of the week.
On Thursday, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 27.2 degrees Celsius, which is 0.3 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature is expected to be 33.2 degrees Celsius, 0.4 degrees above normal.
South Bengal districts under red and orange alerts
Cloudy skies are expected to persist across South Bengal throughout the day, with repeated spells of heavy to very heavy rain.
The IMD has issued a red alert for East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia, where extremely heavy rainfall is likely.
An orange alert has been issued for Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas due to the possibility of heavy rain.
Rainfall is also expected in the remaining districts of South Bengal. On Friday, scattered heavy showers are likely to continue, with East Midnapore, West Midnapore, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Jhargram expected to receive the most significant rainfall.
North Bengal Braces for more rain over the weekend
Heavy rainfall is also expected to intensify across North Bengal during the weekend.
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The IMD has issued an orange alert for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar, where heavy rain is forecast.
North Dinajpur and South Dinajpur are also likely to receive heavy rainfall over the coming days.
FAQs:
Will it rain in Kolkata during Rath Yatra today?
Yes, the IMD has forecast spells of heavy to very heavy rain along with gusty winds in Kolkata throughout Rath Yatra.
Which South Bengal districts are under IMD red alert for heavy rain?
East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia are under a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall.
