July 07 (Siliguri Chronicle) – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday said that several districts in West Bengal are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall over the next few days, with heavy to very heavy showers expected in some areas. The forecast comes as a low-pressure system continues to affect the region.
According to the IMD, the low-pressure area is currently positioned over southwest Gangetic West Bengal and nearby regions. It is linked to a cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above sea level and tilting southwestward with height.
The system is expected to move in a west-northwestward direction across Jharkhand and north Chhattisgarh over the next two days. The monsoon trough at mean sea level now extends from Sri Ganganagar, passing through Sirsa, Meerut, Varanasi, Daltonganj, Purulia, and the centre of the low-pressure area, before stretching southeastwards to the northeast Bay of Bengal. Under its influence, South Bengal is likely to witness widespread rain and thundershowers in the coming days.
On July 7, heavy to very heavy rainfall between 7 and 20 cm is expected at one or two places in Purulia and West Midnapore districts. Bankura, Jhargram, East Midnapore, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas are also likely to receive heavy rain ranging from 7 to 11 cm. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph may occur at isolated places across all districts of South Bengal.
Rainfall is expected to continue on July 8, with heavy showers likely at one or two places in Purulia and Jhargram. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and lightning are also forecast across the region. From July 9, light to moderate rain is likely in many areas, easing slightly on July 10 and 11, before intensifying again on July 12 and 13 across districts of South Bengal.
The IMD has issued warnings of possible waterlogging in low-lying areas, reduced visibility, traffic disruptions, and the risk of lightning strikes. Residents are advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid open areas for safety.
In North Bengal, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected in many areas on July 7, with heavy rainfall likely at one or two places in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar.
Similar weather conditions are expected to continue throughout the week. Heavy rain is likely in Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Alipurduar on July 9, and again in Jalpaiguri on July 12.
On July 13, heavy showers are expected at one or two places in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Alipurduar.
