Deep depression weakens, south Bengal rain to ease from Sunday
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) at Alipore, Kolkata, on Saturday, 26 September, confirmed that no heavy rainfall warning has been issued for south Bengal districts — including Kolkata — from Sunday onwards, as the deep depression over the region is expected to weaken into a low-pressure area by Saturday evening. The development brings significant relief to a region that has endured persistent heavy showers since Wednesday night.
Weather System Loses Steam
The deep depression, centred over south Odisha and Chhattisgarh, has tracked further northwestward while gradually losing intensity. According to the met office, rainfall activity across both south and north Bengal is expected to ease from Saturday evening, with no prospects of moderate to heavy rain over the next few days. A Met department official noted that rainfall in Kolkata and adjoining areas would decrease significantly from noon on Saturday, with only isolated light showers possible at one or two places.
Coastal Advisory Still in Effect
Despite the weakening system, sea conditions along the Bengal coast remain rough. Gusty winds of 35–45 kmph, occasionally spiking to 55 kmph, are continuing along the coastline. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until Saturday afternoon, as the lingering impact of the weather system keeps conditions hazardous offshore.
North Bengal Still on Alert This Saturday
While south Bengal gets a reprieve, parts of north Bengal remain under watch for the day. Heavy rainfall warnings are in place for Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Kalimpong districts on Saturday. Thunderstorm and rainfall warnings have also been issued for Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and North Dinajpur. Notably, no weather warnings have been extended for any north Bengal district from Sunday onwards, suggesting a broad improvement across the state.
Kolkata Temperatures Below Normal
Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 25.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday, 0.4 degrees below normal. The maximum temperature on Friday stood at 30.6 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees below normal — a reflection of the prolonged cloud cover and rain that has gripped the city since mid-week. This is consistent with patterns seen during active low-pressure systems that draw moisture off the Bay of Bengal.
What to Expect Next
With the deep depression set to dissipate, meteorologists expect a gradual return to drier conditions across the Bengal plains through early next week. Residents and commuters in Kolkata and surrounding districts can expect significant improvement in weather from Sunday, though coastal communities should remain vigilant until sea conditions normalise.