What Does the Red Alert for Heavy Rain in North Bengal Mean?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Red alert issued for heavy rain in North Bengal.
- Risk of flooding in low-lying areas and potential landslides in hilly regions.
- No heavy rain forecasted for South Bengal until Wednesday.
- Humidity-related discomfort will persist in Kolkata.
- Stay updated with local weather reports for safety.
Kolkata, August 3 (NationPress) The Meteorological (MeT) office issued a red alert on Sunday, cautioning residents about impending rain in various districts of North Bengal. Additionally, scattered thunderstorms are expected to persist in districts across South Bengal over the coming days.
While the weather office hasn't forecasted rain for South Bengal, residents in Kolkata and surrounding areas will experience discomfort due to humidity. This is likely to elevate discomfort levels even though temperatures remain normal.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata's Alipore has announced that heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in North Bengal districts until Tuesday. A red alert has been declared for Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Kalimpong districts, where significant rainfall is expected within the next 24 hours. The rain is projected to last until Tuesday. An orange alert has been issued for Darjeeling and Cooch Behar districts, according to a MeT department official.
The cyclonic circulation responsible for last week’s heavy rainfall in South Bengal has moved away towards Bihar and North Bengal. The monsoon axis stretches southeast through Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Patna, Purnia, Berhampur, and extends to the northeast Bay of Bengal. This has led to a forecast of very heavy rain in North Bengal.
A warning for heavy rain is also in effect for North Dinajpur, Malda, and South Dinajpur districts. These heavy rains will likely cause a rise in water levels in several rivers like Teesta, Torsa, and Jaldhaka. Flooding may occur in low-lying regions, particularly at the foothills of the North Bengal hills, and landslides are a risk in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, warned the MeT department.
However, no heavy rainfall is expected in South Bengal districts until Wednesday. Some scattered rains could occur in Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas.
Humidity-related discomfort will persist, but heavy rain is predicted to return from Thursday, according to the MeT office.
On Sunday morning, the minimum temperature in Kolkata was recorded at 28.4 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature the previous day reached 32.2 degrees Celsius.