Storms Across Bengal: Kolkata and North Bengal Brace for Dangerous Monsoon Week
As the monsoon tightens its grip on West Bengal, residents from Kolkata's neighbourhoods to the foothills of North Bengal need to know what is coming their way and how to stay safe. This week's weather reports paint a consistent and urgent picture of a region under significant meteorological stress.
⛈️ Bay Depression Puts Kolkata Under Thunderstorm Alert
A depression forming over the Bay of Bengal triggered heavy rainfall across West Bengal, with Kolkata placed under a thunderstorm alert as the system moved towards the coast. Orange alerts were issued for East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram districts, indicating the potential for particularly severe conditions in those areas. The depression's movement threatened to bring sustained heavy rain to the coastal belt and nearby districts, raising concern about waterlogging and disruption to daily life in the city. Residents were advised to stay informed and exercise caution during the alert period. [10]
🌧️ South Bengal to Stay Cloudy and Wet as Depression Persists
The same depression keeping a cloud over South Bengal was expected to ensure that rain would persist across Kolkata and surrounding districts for several days. The meteorological system was forecast to maintain overcast skies and intermittent to heavy rainfall, affecting commuters, daily workers and communities in low-lying areas. The report described the depression as keeping the region under sustained wet conditions rather than delivering a single dramatic downpour, meaning the disruption would be prolonged. Residents in flood-prone parts of the city were urged to remain vigilant as the system slowly moved through. [6]
🏔️ North Bengal Faces Flash Flood Risk as IMD Issues Very Heavy Rain Warning
The India Meteorological Department issued warnings of very heavy rain and a flash flood risk for North Bengal, putting communities in the hilly and river-adjacent areas of the region on high alert. Kolkata and adjoining areas were separately forecast to receive intermittent rainfall through the week, while coastal zones were placed under a maritime warning. The combination of heavy rain warnings across both northern and southern parts of the state painted a picture of a Bengal-wide weather event requiring coordinated preparedness. Authorities in affected districts were expected to place disaster response teams on standby in light of the flash flood risk. [3]
Sources: [10] The Indian Express · [6] Telegraph India · [3] The Indian Express