kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, September 23: West Bengal is bracing for another spell of unsettled weather as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal moves towards the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast, with the India Meteorological Department warning of heavy rain, gusty winds and rough seas. The system is expected to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur by Wednesday night, while several districts of South and North Bengal are likely to witness spells of heavy rainfall over the coming days.

The weather system has already made the sea conditions rough to very rough along the affected coastal belt. The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea, with strong winds and high waves likely to create hazardous conditions.

The latest forecast, the impact of the system is expected to be felt across Gangetic West Bengal, with light to moderate rain likely in several areas during the next few days. Coastal and western districts are likely to experience comparatively heavier spells, with South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram among the areas expected to receive significant rainfall.

The coastal belt is also likely to experience gusty winds, adding to concerns over rough sea conditions. With the deep depression continuing its west-northwestward movement, authorities have been maintaining close watch over the situation and advising fishermen to remain away from the sea until conditions improve.

The weather disturbance is not expected to remain confined to South Bengal. Rainfall activity is also likely to increase across North Bengal, with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar forecast to receive heavy rain. The combination of persistent rainfall and locally strong winds could affect normal life in vulnerable areas.

The state administration has stepped up preparedness, with the district authorities in the potentially affected areas being advised to remain alert and take necessary precautionary measures. Officials are keeping a close watch on rainfall, wind conditions and the situation in low-lying and vulnerable areas.

The latest weather development comes as the deep depression continues to move towards the coast. The IMD has maintained that the system is likely to cross the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast as a deep depression by Wednesday night.

With the sea expected to remain turbulent and rainfall activity likely to continue across Bengal, residents in coastal and low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious and follow instructions issued by the local administration.

The weather system is therefore expected to keep Bengal under a spell of unsettled conditions, with both South and North Bengal likely to experience rain over the next few days. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely as the system approaches the coast.