South Bengal and Kolkata experienced extensive rainfall on Saturday, raising significant concerns about potential flooding. The situation is exacerbated by the water releases from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and Panchet dams. The heavy downpours have led to waterlogging in various areas, including the runway of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.
The relentless rainfall, driven by a low-pressure area that developed into a deep depression, has affected not only Kolkata but also the surrounding districts. This has prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning, warning residents to be prepared for further adverse weather conditions.
Kolkata Weather Forecast
From August 4 to August 9, the weather in Kolkata is expected to be generally cloudy with light rain and occasional thundershowers. The detailed forecast for the coming days is as follows:
- August 4: Temperatures will range from 26°C to 30°C.
- August 5: Forecasted temperatures are between 27°C and 31°C.
- August 6: The temperature will be between 26°C and 30°C, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers expected.
- August 7: Similar conditions are anticipated, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 29°C.
- August 8-9: Temperatures will remain around 26°C to 29°C, with the possibility of rain or thunderstorms.
Impact of Depression and Trough on Weather
The deep depression has moved over north Jharkhand and adjacent regions, causing showers across Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of south Bengal. An upper-air east-west trough extending from the centre of the depression to south Assam has triggered additional rain across both south and north Bengal, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Alipore.
Rainfall Accumulation and Forecast
Kolkata recorded intermittent rain, accumulating to 26.5 mm between Friday and Saturday evening, according to a Times of India report. Heavier showers were experienced in the northern outskirts, with Dum Dum receiving 100 mm and Salt Lake and Diamond Harbour each receiving 80 mm. The Met office predicts that Kolkata will continue to experience rain for at least the next four to five days.
Effect of Monsoon Trough
The ongoing rains have intensified due to the presence of the monsoon trough, which is currently situated over Murshidabad. HR Biswas, a weather scientist at RMC, noted that the trough rests across the northern limit of south Bengal. "The combined effect of the monsoon trough and the east-west trough will lead to consistent rainfall across most parts of Bengal in the coming days. While most areas can expect light to moderate rain, some parts of south Bengal may experience thunderstorms," he added.
The cloudy weather and rain have contributed to lower temperatures, with the maximum temperature reaching 29.2°C on Saturday, while the minimum temperature was 25.8°C.
Impact on North Bengal and Surrounding Areas
In north Bengal, heavy rains since Thursday have disrupted daily life and worsened conditions in Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong. These rains have triggered significant landslides along NH-10, severing major routes connecting Gangtok and Kalimpong with Siliguri. Weather officials have issued an orange warning for the districts of north Bengal for the next five days, urging residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
Summary
The severe weather conditions in South Bengal and Kolkata, marked by relentless rains and potential flooding, have significantly impacted daily life and infrastructure. The IMD’s yellow alert for thunderstorms and the ongoing weather disturbances call for heightened vigilance and preparedness among residents. The situation in north Bengal, with heavy rains and landslides, further underscores the need for caution in the coming days.