Kolkata braces for rain as Cyclone Murasu makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh

Kolkata and several districts of South Bengal are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers as Cyclone Murasu moves inland after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday (November 3).

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), isolated places in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia are likely to receive rainfall until Wednesday morning. 

In North Bengal, Darjeeling and Kalimpong may also see light rain or isolated thundershowers. Other districts are expected to remain largely dry.

However, the weather department has clarified that Cyclone Murasu is unlikely to directly affect West Bengal. The state has not received any weather warnings related to the cyclone. 

Cyclone Murasu makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 3.30 am and 5.30 am on Tuesday.

The system made landfall with sustained winds of 100-110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph, according to the IMD.

After crossing the coast, the cyclone was expected to move north-northwestwards and gradually weaken into a cyclonic storm before further weakening into a deep depression.

Kolkata weather forecast: Temperature likely to fall

While rainfall is expected in parts of West Bengal until Wednesday morning, residents can also expect temperatures to gradually change.

The IMD has forecast a 3-4 degree Celsius drop in minimum temperatures across the state over the next three days.

Most parts of South Bengal are likely to experience dry weather from Wednesday onwards.

However, light to moderate rainfall may return to Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas and Nadia on November 9 and 10.

North Bengal is also expected to remain largely dry after Wednesday morning, barring isolated spells of rain in some areas.

The IMD is continuing to monitor Cyclone Murasu as the system weakens over land.