Written by Anisha Ghosh

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across most parts of West Bengal on Monday, July 7. Isolated areas in some districts are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall as a low-pressure area persists over Gangetic West Bengal with an active monsoon flow.

Kolkata is expected to experience a generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of moderate rain on Monday. Light rain may persist for the remainder of the week. The city recorded 0.4 mm of rainfall until 8:30 am on Monday. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 29 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius respectively, with maximum relative humidity reaching 92 percent.

According to the IMD, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are very likely at most places in South Bengal. Heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) is expected at one or two places in Purulia and Paschim Medinipur, while heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) is likely at isolated locations in Bankura, Jhargram, Purba Medinipur, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas.

Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty wind (30-40 kmph) and lightning are also likely at one or two places across all South Bengal districts on Monday.

In North Bengal, light to moderate rain along with thunderstorms is expected at many places. Heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) may occur at one or two places in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts.

The IMD has also issued an advisory for fishermen. “Fishermen are advised to avoid venturing into the North Bay of Bengal and along and off the West Bengal-Odisha coast till July 8. Squally weather with surface wind speed reaching 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, is very likely. Sea conditions are likely to be rough to very rough,” the advisory stated.

Anisha Ghosh is an intern with the Indian Express.