The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall in Kolkata and several south Bengal districts over the next four days. This adverse weather is expected to impact the Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrations on Thursday. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata’s Alipore, moderate to heavy rain is likely across south Bengal districts, including Kolkata, with a weather change anticipated in the southern districts starting Sunday.
The Met Department has warned of thunderstorms in all southern districts, including Kolkata, in the coming days, with a yellow alert issued. Gusty winds at speeds of 30 to 40 km per hour may be experienced in some areas. Heavy rain is expected in North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, and Jhargram districts, accompanied by high winds, while moderate rain is predicted in the remaining districts.
On Thursday, coinciding with the Jagannath Rath Yatra, heavy rain is forecasted in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, and West Burdwan districts. An orange alert has been issued for South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore, with thunderstorms and rain expected in all other districts. Similar weather conditions are expected on Friday and Saturday, potentially causing inconvenience to Rath Yatra organizers on Thursday.
In Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts, heavy rain is likely on Wednesday, with a yellow alert for the remaining North Bengal districts. The weather is expected to remain unchanged on Thursday and Friday, with a chance of rain resuming from Sunday. Sunday may see heavy rain in the five north Bengal districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar, with the intensity of rain increasing further on Monday.
