Cyclone Arnab intensifies: Kolkata may see rain later this week

Kolkata may see a change in weather this week as Cyclone Arnab intensifies over the Bay of Bengal and moves towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. Although the storm is not expected to make landfall in West Bengal, its indirect impact could bring rainfall to the city and several other districts, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The cyclone intensified from a deep depression to a cyclonic storm early Monday and later strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm.

It is expected to intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning, October 27, as it continues moving towards the eastern coast.

The IMD has forecast rainfall in Kolkata and other parts of Gangetic West Bengal on October 28 and 29.

While some areas could see heavy showers, rainfall intensity and distribution will depend on the cyclone's movement and prevailing weather conditions.

Kolkata remained largely sunny on Monday. Tuesday's forecast suggests light rain or thundershowers, with generally cloudy skies expected by the afternoon.

Persistent cloud cover and rainfall could affect daytime temperatures, while increased atmospheric moisture may keep night temperatures relatively high.

Which parts of Bengal could receive rain?

Southern districts of West Bengal are likely to experience rainfall from Tuesday, with a more significant spell expected between Wednesday and Saturday.

South 24-Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia are among the districts forecast to receive heavy rain.

Kolkata and several other districts could see light to moderate showers, with occasional lightning and gusty winds.

In north Bengal, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong and Alipurduar are likely to receive heavy rainfall between October 29 and 31.

Meanwhile, Cyclone Arnab is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28.

The storm could bring sustained winds of 115-125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are preparing for the cyclone's impact, with authorities taking precautionary measures in vulnerable areas.

Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of both states, while Telangana and Chhattisgarh could also experience intense showers.

The weather system may additionally bring heavy rainfall to parts of Jharkhand, Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh later in the week.

For Kolkata, the immediate outlook points to a possibility of rain rather than a direct cyclone impact. Residents will need to follow subsequent IMD updates for a clearer picture of rainfall intensity and timing.