KOLKATA: A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a deep depression on Sunday, triggering incessant rainfall across Kolkata and several districts of South Bengal since Sunday night. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in many parts of South Bengal on Monday, with wet weather likely to persist throughout the week.

 

According to the IMD, the deep depression is expected to move inland through the coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal on Monday afternoon. The system is likely to generate rough sea conditions, prompting authorities to advise fishermen not to venture into the sea until further notice.

 

Kolkata has been witnessing continuous heavy rain since early Monday morning under overcast skies, accompanied by strong winds. Waterlogging has been reported from several parts of the city, while uprooted trees have disrupted normal life in some areas. Traffic movement has slowed considerably on several major roads due to water accumulation and adverse weather conditions. The weather office has predicted that rainfall will continue throughout the day.

 

The minimum temperature in Kolkata on Monday was recorded at 26.0 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees below normal, while the maximum temperature is expected to remain around 30.0 degrees Celsius, 2.5 degrees below normal.

 

The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for the districts of Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad in South Bengal. Coastal districts have also been placed on alert due to the possibility of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds.

 

Meanwhile, rainfall activity is expected to intensify in North Bengal from Monday. A special rainfall alert has been issued for Jalpaiguri and adjoining areas. According to the IMD, the intensity of rainfall is likely to increase further from Tuesday, with Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar expected to receive heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms at isolated places.