West Bengal weather: Heavy rain alert from August 2, IMD warns of flooding and landslide risk
Kolkata: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across several districts of North Bengal from August 2, with the monsoon expected to remain active over the state for the next few days.
A strong inflow of moisture from the Bay of Bengal, coupled with a favourable position of the monsoon trough, is likely to trigger widespread rainfall, while parts of South Bengal are also expected to witness thunderstorms and gusty winds.
According to the Alipore Meteorological Centre, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Kalimpong are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall between August 2 and August 5.
Uttar Dinajpur is also expected to witness heavy showers during the period, while Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar may continue to receive heavy rain till August 6. Rainfall activity is expected to ease gradually from August 7.
The weather office has warned that persistent rainfall could trigger landslides in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills.
Waterlogging is likely in low-lying areas, while water levels in rivers including the Teesta, Torsa, Jaldhaka and Raidak may rise significantly.
Several parts of North Bengal have already received substantial rainfall over the past 24 hours. Domohani in Jalpaiguri recorded the highest rainfall at 18 cm, followed by Dharla Valley Tea Estate with 15 cm and Alipurduar with 11 cm.
Jalpaiguri, Falakata and Kumargram also received between 8 cm and 9 cm of rainfall.
In South Bengal, scattered rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely over the coming days. Rainfall activity is expected to increase across most districts from August 2.
On August 3, North 24 Parganas, Nadia and Murshidabad are likely to receive heavy rainfall, while thunderstorms are expected across much of the region.
The IMD has also forecast heavy rain in parts of Birbhum, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman and North 24 Parganas on August 5 and 6.
On August 7, heavy rainfall is expected over South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Purulia and Jhargram as the active monsoon conditions continue over the state.