Written by Debasmita Chowdhury,
The Southwest Monsoon is expected to reach parts of West Bengal within the next two days, bringing much-needed relief from the prevailing pre-monsoon heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several South Bengal districts for June 17 and 18.
“Residents of West Bengal can look forward to the arrival of monsoon rains, crucial for agriculture and replenishing water resources,” said an official. According to the latest update, the Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) is currently passing through Veraval, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, and Balurghat, signalling its approach toward the state. South Bengal is likely to witness moderate to heavy rain and thundershowers across all districts from June 16 to 23. The most intense rainfall is expected during the first three days, particularly June 17 and 18.
The IMD has issued orange alerts for South 24 Parganas, Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Purba and Paschim Bardhaman, Purulia, and Birbhum for heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) on June 17 and 18. Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur are under heavy rain warnings (7-11 cm) for the same period.
North Bengal is also under active monsoon influence, with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms forecast across Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, and Malda from June 17 to 21. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar on June 19. Day temperatures in the Sub-Himalayan region are expected to remain stable over the next five days.
Yellow alerts for thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) have been issued for Purba Medinipur, Uttar Dinajpur, and South 24 Parganas.
Kolkata is likely to experience light to moderate rain and thundershowers throughout the week, with heavy rain alerts (7-11 cm) in place for June 17 and 18. Thunderstorm activity with gusty winds and lightning is also forecast for the first three days of the week. On Monday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 31.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27.7 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels reaching 91 percent. A mostly cloudy sky with intermittent rain is expected to provide some respite from the summer heat.
Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a coastal warning for June 17 and 18. Squally weather with surface winds reaching 30-40 kmph, gusting up to 50 kmph, is expected along the West Bengal-Odisha coast. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period. Debasmita Chowdhury is an intern at The Indian Express