South Bengal heavy rain alert this weekend as low-pressure area persists
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata on Thursday, 27 August issued a forecast warning of heavy rainfall across multiple South Bengal districts from Saturday through Monday, driven by a low-pressure area currently positioned over the region. Coastal and adjoining districts face the highest risk of intense downpours over the three-day window.
Key Developments
RMC official Sourish Banerjee confirmed that the low-pressure system over south Bengal is expected to sustain rainfall activity across several parts of the state over the coming days. Thursday itself will see mainly cloudy skies with light to moderate rain across south Bengal, including Kolkata.
The intensity is forecast to rise sharply from Saturday. On Saturday, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, and East Midnapore are likely to receive relatively heavy rain, with heavy showers possible at one or two locations in each district. On Sunday, heavy rain is expected at isolated places in South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura. By Monday, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, and Jhargram may receive heavy rain at some locations, while the rest of south Bengal is likely to see light to moderate showers.
Kolkata City Outlook
Kolkata and its surrounding areas are expected to remain mainly cloudy through the period, with one or two spells of light to moderate rain on Thursday. Rainfall may increase slightly in the city from Saturday to Monday, though the most intense activity is projected for coastal and adjoining districts rather than the city core.
On Wednesday, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 32.05 degrees Celsius — 0.02 degrees below normal — and a minimum of 28.03 degrees Celsius, which was 1.07 degrees above normal. Relative humidity ranged between 75% and 95%, reflecting the muggy conditions that have gripped the city.
Humidity Discomfort to Continue
Despite the anticipated rainfall, humidity-related discomfort is expected to persist across south Bengal. The region's proximity to the Bay of Bengal keeps moisture levels elevated, meaning that even during rain breaks, sultry and uncomfortable conditions could return at different times of the day. Residents are advised to expect intermittent relief rather than a sustained cool-down.
North Bengal Forecast
In north Bengal, rain is also expected across a few districts over the next two days. Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar are likely to receive heavy rain on Thursday, after which rainfall activity is expected to gradually decline across the region.
With the low-pressure system showing no immediate sign of dissipating, authorities and residents in coastal South Bengal districts should remain on alert through the early part of next week.