Kolkata, Aug. 27 -- With Raksha Bandhan celebrations underway across Bengal, the monsoon continues to hold its grip over the state. Despite the festive season drawing people outdoors, rain clouds are likely to maintain a constant presence, with several districts expected to witness showers over the coming days.
Kolkata remained largely overcast on Thursday, with intermittent, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms in several areas. The weather was influenced by a fresh low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and a monsoon trough extending from Jharkhand through Digha.
The weather office has forecast a cloudy sky over Kolkata on Friday as well, with intermittent light to moderate rain and thunderstorms possible across the city. Gusty winds of around 30-40 kmph may accompany showers in some areas, while the possibility of lightning remains. High humidity is also likely to keep conditions sultry during breaks in rainfall.
Rain is expected to be comparatively heavier in South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Howrah, Hooghly and Bankura.
South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore may also experience stronger gusts. With the sea likely to remain rough, fishermen have been advised against venturing into the deep sea.
North Bengal, too, is unlikely to see much respite. Isolated heavy rain is possible in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar, where a yellow alert remains in place.
As the festive season gathers pace, Bengal's Rakhi celebration is therefore likely to continue under a distinctly monsoon-dominated sky.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.