Kolkata Weather Update: The Met Department has predicted that the rains could get heavier in many West Bengal districts from June 22. Several districts in South Bengal, including Kolkata, are likely to see moderate to heavy showers
The sky has been overcast since the morning, not just in Kolkata but across Bengal. The Teesta river's water level is rising in the north, disrupting daily life. However, South Bengal has finally got some relief from the recent spell of uncomfortable weather.
Kolkata city received 62.1 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. The minimum temperature dropped to 25 degrees Celsius, which is one degree below normal. The Met office predicts scattered showers throughout the day, with weather likely to worsen on Wednesday.
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South Bengal Weather
On Monday, the Alipore Weather Office issued a yellow alert for several districts in South Bengal. The warning includes a high chance of thunderstorms. Kolkata is also expected to experience scattered rain along with thunderstorms.
A low-pressure trough is currently active over the region. The rain will likely reduce once this trough moves away. Until Wednesday, most districts in South Bengal will see an increase in rain and storms. After that, the intensity will decrease, but it is expected to pick up again from Friday. Yellow and orange alerts are in place for several districts.
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Alert for South Bengal
The weather office has issued a yellow alert for Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, and Nadia. The alert for thunderstorms will continue over the next few days. The risk of lightning is especially high in East and West Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia. The rainfall is set to increase again from Wednesday.
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Heavy rain in North Bengal
The monsoon is in full swing in North Bengal. Jalpaiguri district has had cloudy skies and non-stop scattered rain since morning, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas. The continuous downpour is causing river levels to rise rapidly, with the Teesta river already swelling. The irrigation department has issued a yellow alert for unprotected areas in the Teesta basin in Mekliganj and also for areas near the Jaldhaka river along National Highway 31. The Gajoldoba barrage is releasing water in phases, and the administration is on high alert.
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Area affected by river erosion
On Monday morning, residents of the Panjhora area near Chalsa in Jalpaiguri blocked the Chalsa-Nagrakata national highway. They were demanding quick action to stop the growing erosion by the Murti river. The hour-long blockade created massive traffic jams, causing problems for commuters and tourists. Locals say the administration has not taken any permanent steps despite the long-standing problem.
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Fear of river erosion
The non-stop rain over the last few days has made the erosion much worse. The river's main current is now flowing dangerously close to the embankment near residential areas, and people fear their homes and property could be washed away. Frustrated with the lack of action, residents blocked the road near the Murti bridge on Monday. Officials from Nagrakata police station arrived and assured them that work would begin on an emergency basis. Following this assurance, the blockade was lifted, and locals are now hoping for swift action.
