Heavy rainfall to hit coastal districts in next 48 hours

Kolkata: The Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore predicted heavy rainfall in the coastal districts in the next 48 hours.

A low-pressure trough has formed over the Bay of Bengal which will bring heavy rainfall in the districts of East Midnapore, South 24-Parganas, Jhargram and West Midnapore. Heavy rainfall will hit the districts on Sunday and Monday respectively. The other South Bengal districts, including the city, are expected to receive scattered rainfall.

According to the weather office, the sea will remain turbulent for the next 48 hours. Fishermen in the coastal districts have been alerted not to venture into the sea following a heavy rainfall alert. The intensity of rainfall will be increased in all the North Bengal districts from Sunday as well.

A senior weather official said the sky in various South Bengal districts will mostly remain cloudy. Scattered rainfall is expected in many South Bengal districts, including the city accompanied with gusty winds.

Whereas, the coastal districts will witness heavy showers along with lightning in the next 48 hours.

The city and its adjoining areas received light rainfall on Saturday but it failed to bring down the humidity level. People in South Bengal continue to experience a sultry and discomfort weather despite one or two spells of light showers in certain pockets. The temperature is expected to climb down following a heavy spell in some parts on Sunday and Monday.

It may be mentioned here that Bengal has received less amount of rainfall in June compared to previous years due to the late coming of the monsoon and an irregularity in the rainfall.

The situation may not improve in the current month as there may be a rain deficit in the state, weather experts feel.

The paddy cultivation has already received a jolt in different districts due to the scarcity of rain. Various crops were damaged due to high humidity. The rain deficit in the last month has affected the farmers and they may face similar fate in July as there is a prediction of similar conditions.

A fluctuating weather system has been affecting the people many of whom complaint of fever and other ailments. People are falling sick due to viral fever as well.

Kolkata, on the other hand, has been experiencing longer summers and more intense heat waves, leading to extremely uncomfortable weather with hardly any respite in sight.

Because of the heat and humidity, Kolkattans are facing a double whammy situation as it is difficult to step out during the day time. The scorching heat and humidity make it difficult to get any outdoor work done as conditions are very severe.