Bengal weather: Rain eases for now, but fresh spell likely from Sunday

The deep depression that brought heavy rain to parts of West Bengal has weakened and moved away from the state, bringing some relief to South Bengal.

However, the weather is unlikely to turn completely dry, with the Alipore Meteorological Office forecasting cloudy skies and light to moderate rain across several districts over the next few days. 

The system moved across Jharkhand and Bihar before weakening over Chhattisgarh late Wednesday night. With its influence over south Bengal now reduced, rainfall activity is expected to decline until Saturday.

However, rain could pick up again from Sunday and continue into the beginning of next week.

The monsoon trough remains active and is currently extending across Firozpur, Karnal, Hardoi, northern Jharkhand, adjoining southwest Bihar and southeast Uttar Pradesh.

Under its influence, scattered rainfall is expected across south Bengal.

Rain likely to increase from Sunday

Although Friday and Saturday are likely to see comparatively less rainfall in south Bengal, the weather could turn wetter again from Sunday.

The Alipore weather office has indicated the possibility of heavy rain in parts of South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore, while other districts are likely to receive light to moderate showers.

The latest forecast also indicates that the possibility of rain will remain over Kolkata through the weekend.

North Bengal remains wetter

North Bengal is likely to continue experiencing more active rainfall.

The upper five districts could see isolated spells of heavy rain, while several other areas remain vulnerable to thunderstorms accompanied by rain.

Alipurduar and Cooch Behar could receive comparatively heavier rainfall over the weekend, including brief spells of heavy rain.

Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar are among the districts under particular watch for heavy rainfall on Friday.

Meanwhile, Malda and the two Dinajpur districts could feel hot and uncomfortable because of high humidity.

The weather is likely to remain predominantly cloudy over north Bengal into the beginning and middle of next week, with moderate to heavy rain possible in the Himalayan foothills and adjoining plains.

Kolkata forecast

Kolkata is expected to remain largely cloudy over the next few days, with intermittent rain and the possibility of thunderstorms. Friday could see periods of rain, while further showers are also expected through Saturday and Sunday.

Yellow alert in several districts

For Friday, a yellow alert has been issued for East Midnapore, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata and Howrah for moderate and scattered rainfall. Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar are under warning for heavy rain.

Overall, Bengal is likely to see a temporary reduction in rainfall intensity before another wet spell develops.

The possibility of a cyclonic circulation over the north Bay of Bengal could further increase rainfall activity from the beginning of next week.