Written By Debasmita Chowdhury
After the sweltering heat for the last few days, people of Kolkata woke up to heavy rainfall on Sunday. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday morning issued a Yellow Alert for multiple districts across West Bengal. The weather department said that severe thunderstorms and lightning with gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph are expected in Purulia, Hooghly, Howrah, Kolkata, and some parts of East Burdwan by Sunday afternoon.
The authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid open areas during the active storm period.
The Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata, has forecast heavy rainfall on Monday in the coastal districts of South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore, apart from West Midnapore. North Bengal districts, such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri, are expected to receive 7-11 cm of rainfall with thunderstorms over the coming days.
Hill areas face elevated landslide risks, while major rivers, including Teesta and Jaldhaka, may experience rising water levels due to sustained rainfall.
Meteorologists said that the change in weather was being driven by the strengthening monsoon system over the Bay of Bengal, with marine warnings issued for Tuesday and Wednesday.
The weather department at 11 am on Sunday said Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 35.2 degree Celsius and a minimum of 29.2 degree Celsius in the past 24 hours. The humidity ranged between 59-90 per cent. Cooler temperatures between 27-32 degree Celsius are expected in the state capital on Monday.
(The author is an intern with The Indian Express)
