Monsoon intensifies axross Bengal: Heavy rain, cyclonic circulation disrupt daily life

New Delhi: Persistent atmospheric systems over Bihar, North Bengal, Assam, and Gangetic West Bengal have reactivated the monsoon across the state, bringing heavy downpours and disrupting early morning commutes. Sunshine was completely absent on Friday morning as intense rain began battering Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and the Medinipur districts between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM.

Meteorologists warn that the rain will likely intensify as the day progresses, with the potential to severely disrupt daily life and lead to waterlogging in several areas.

Impending low-pressure system and weather warning

The Alipore Meteorological Office reported that the current cyclonic circulation off the coast is expected to intensify into a formal low-pressure system by Saturday. This development guarantees prolonged rainfall across South Bengal, particularly over coastal and western districts.

Along with rain, widespread lightning strikes are expected throughout the day. Weather experts have urged citizens to stay indoors under safe, concrete structures whenever thunder sounds. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h, accompanied by light to moderate thunderstorms, are forecast for all districts.

District alerts and Kolkata observations

Yellow warnings for heavy rainfall have been issued for seven key districts on Friday, including East Bardhaman, West Bardhaman, East Medinipur, West Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Bankura, and Purulia. The remaining districts remain under a general yellow alert for scattered thunderstorms. Looking ahead to Sunday, Birbhum and Murshidabad will remain under a heavy rain warning.

In Kolkata, the minimum temperature was recorded at 26.2 degrees Celsius, while Thursday’s maximum reached 28.6 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity levels surged between 90 per cent and 99 per cent, with official stations recording initial rainfall at 1.3 mm as the wet spell set in.