West Bengal monsoon alert: IMD predicts heavy rainfall across state until July 14

Kolkata: An active monsoon system is forecast to bring heavy downpours to several districts across West Bengal until 14 July, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Sunday.

The state's sub-Himalayan districts, which have already been battered by torrential rain in recent days, are expected to experience continued heavy precipitation through to 14 July, the agency noted in a weather bulletin.

In the southern region, the districts of Bankura, Birbhum, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Nadia, and Murshidabad face the threat of heavy rainfall until 14 July, whilst the remaining southern districts are likely to receive light to moderate showers, the IMD stated.

Pundibari in the Coochbehar district recorded the state's highest rainfall over the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, measuring 89 mm, according to IMD figures.

Other locations registering notable rainfall totals included Gandrapara (66 mm), Hasimara (62 mm), Alipurduar (58 mm), Darjeeling (38 mm), Dum Dum (38 mm), and Chel (35 mm).

For Kolkata, the meteorological office predicted overcast skies, with the probability of one or two spells of moderate rain continuing until Monday morning.

Minimum temperatures across the majority of the state lingered between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius, the department reported.

However, elevated relative humidity levels caused widespread discomfort for residents, with readings exceeding 90 per cent in numerous areas. The town of Suri in the Birbhum district registered a stifling 100 per cent relative humidity on Saturday, the data revealed.

PTI