Kolkata is set to witness a wet week as a depression over south Jharkhand and adjoining north interior Odisha continues to influence weather conditions across south Bengal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata has forecast light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers across the city over the next seven days. Several spells of rain are likely to be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, with some areas expected to experience heavy rainfall ranging between 7cm and 11cm during the week.
The weather system moved west-northwestwards at a speed of around 15 kmph on Monday morning. It is expected to continue its journey across Jharkhand, north Chhattisgarh, and adjoining eastern Madhya Pradesh over the next 24 hours. At the same time, moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are expected to sustain widespread rainfall activity across south Bengal.
According to the forecast, districts including South 24 Parganas, Bankura, Purulia, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, and Birbhum are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Tuesday. Thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph are also expected across parts of south Bengal.
Kolkata has been placed under a thunderstorm warning for July 9, while North and South 24 Parganas are expected to receive another spell of heavy rainfall on July 10.
Rainfall has already been significant over the past 24 hours. Alipore recorded 5cm of rain, while Dum Dum and Barrackpore received 3cm each.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious as heavy rain could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic congestion, reduced visibility, and temporary disruption of daily activities. People have also been warned about the risks of lightning and possible damage to weak structures during intense thunderstorms.
