IMD Predicts Six Days of Rainfall in South Bengal Starting Thursday, Relief from Heat Likely
IIE DIGITAL DESK : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continuous rainfall across South Bengal for six consecutive days starting Thursday, bringing much-needed relief to residents reeling under a prolonged spell of scorching heat and humidity. The forecast includes moderate to heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, particularly in districts such as Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, South and North 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Bankura, and Purulia.
According to the Alipore Meteorological Centre in Kolkata, a cyclonic circulation over Jharkhand and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal is expected to intensify, drawing in moisture from the Bay of Bengal. This system will likely trigger widespread pre-monsoon showers across the region, starting from Thursday and continuing through the middle of next week.
Several districts in South Bengal will begin receiving rainfall. The intensity is expected to increase over the weekend, with some areas likely to witness heavy rainfall, particularly on Saturday and Sunday,” said Dr. Sanjib Bandyopadhyay, head of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata.
The forecast also includes occasional thunderstorms and lightning, which have prompted weather warnings across multiple districts. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for several days, advising people to stay indoors during intense lightning and to avoid taking shelter under trees.
Kolkata, which has been experiencing temperatures hovering around 38°C to 40°C with high humidity levels over the past week, is likely to see a dip in both temperature and discomfort levels. Maximum temperatures in the city are expected to drop to around 32°C to 34°C during the rainy spell.
The rainfall is being seen as a precursor to the full onset of the southwest monsoon in Bengal. While monsoon typically reaches South Bengal by mid-June, meteorologists say this current weather pattern will help pave the way for its smooth advancement.
Farmers across the region have welcomed the forecast, as many have been anxiously awaiting rains to begin sowing operations for the kharif season. “We’ve been preparing our fields for weeks. If the rain comes as predicted, it will be a huge relief,” said Ratan Mondal, a farmer from Burdwan.
May face challenges due to waterlogging and traffic congestion. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has already issued advisories and put drainage teams on alert to prevent disruptions caused by accumulated rainwater.
Mayor Firhad Hakim said, “We are fully prepared to manage waterlogging zones. Pumping stations are being monitored round the clock, and emergency response teams are on standby in all boroughs. Citizens are requested to cooperate and avoid venturing out during heavy downpours.”
The Public Works Department and local administrations in districts like East Midnapore and Howrah have also begun reviewing preparedness for potential tree falls, damage to electric poles, and rural road conditions during heavy rain.
Health officials have urged residents to be cautious during thunderstorms, stay hydrated, and avoid exposure to sudden changes in temperature. “Sudden weather fluctuations can impact those with respiratory or cardiac issues. Children and the elderly should be kept indoors during stormy conditions,” said Dr. Arijit Bose, a city-based physician.
As Bengal braces for six days of showers, many are hoping the weather change marks the beginning of an end to the prolonged summer discomfort, while civic agencies remain on high alert to manage the seasonal challenges brought by the rain.
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