Cyclone forming in Bay of Bengal to bring rain to West Bengal
The India Meteorological Department predicts a cyclonic storm will bring heavy rainfall to several southern districts from November 19 to 21.
A cyclonic storm forming over the south Bay of Bengal is expected to bring heavy rain to parts of West Bengal between November 19 and 21, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather system, which was a depression on Sunday morning, is likely to move north-northwestward, The Economic Times reported.
The IMD stated the system is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the east-central Bay of Bengal on November 17. Heavy rainfall is expected in the coastal districts of South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur from November 19 to 21, while Howrah, Paschim Medinipur, and Jhargram may see downpours on November 20 and 21.
Urban Acres reported that the Alipore weather office expects the system to strengthen into a cyclone by Monday evening. While a confirmed landfall warning has not been issued, the office noted that Kolkata could see rain from Thursday, with thunderstorms and winds of 30 to 40 kmph possible in several southern districts.
The IMD has also warned of squally weather in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, with wind speeds potentially reaching 80 kmph from November 17. Fishermen were advised to return to the coast by November 15 due to rough sea conditions, according to Outlook.
In other weather developments, a Western Disturbance over North Pakistan and nearby areas is expected to cause light to moderate rain and snow in the Western Himalayan region. IMD scientist Naresh Kumar told ANI that Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan could also see light rainfall.