Monsoon intensifies in Bengal: IMD issues orange alert for Kolkata, adjoining districts
Written by Shambhavi Pandey
The southwest monsoon has intensified over Kolkata and adjoining areas, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds on Wednesday and Thursday. An orange alert has been issued for multiple districts in South Bengal, including Kolkata.
Torrential rain lashed several parts of the state on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, marking the vigorous onset of the monsoon. Sporadic showers have continued across Kolkata since Wednesday morning. The monsoon officially covered the entire state on Tuesday, accompanied by a marked shift in the weather patterns.
Adding to the monsoon's momentum, a low-pressure system has formed over South Bengal, enhancing rainfall activity across the region. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall for Wednesday and Thursday.
According to the latest forecast, Kolkata is expected to witness a generally overcast sky with spells of light to moderate rain or thunderstorms, occasionally interspersed with intense showers.
Rainfall recorded in Kolkata stood at 20.5 mm in the 24 hours ending 6:30 am on June 18, with an additional 9.5 mm logged until 8:30 am. The city's maximum temperature dropped to 28.4 degrees Celsius, while the minimum was recorded at 25.7 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels remained high, fluctuating between 91 and 98 percent.
Light to moderate rain or thunderstorms with intense spells are also very likely over Birbhum, Murshidabad, North and South 24 Parganas, Paschim Medinipur, and Purulia today, while continued intense rain is expected across Bankura, Purulia, and North and South 24 Parganas, according to an IMD official.
'Light thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by intense rainfall and gusty winds (30-40 kmph), are likely over parts of Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Purulia, and Bankura on Wednesday,' the official added.
These developments mark an active phase of the monsoon in southern West Bengal, with more heavy showers expected in the coming days. Authorities have advised residents, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone zones, to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel.
Rainfall spells will continue till June 19 with similar intensity, followed by a temporary lull from June 20 to 22, the IMD said. Rain is likely to pick up again from June 23 with fresh heavy rainfall warnings for Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur. The IMD has warned of possible waterlogging, traffic disruption, damage to crops, and wall collapses in vulnerable structures, advising precautionary measures such as regulating road movement, protecting nursery beds, and avoiding exposed areas during thunderstorms.
North Bengal, too, is under active monsoon conditions, though rainfall is expected to be comparatively lighter. On June 18 and 19, heavy rain (7-11 cm) is likely at one or two places in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, and Uttar Dinajpur, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Rainfall will ease briefly from June 20 to 21, with renewed intensity on June 22 and 23 in districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and both Dinajpurs. The IMD has also cautioned about the possibility of landslides in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
(Shambhavi Pandey is an intern with The Indian Express)
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