Kolkata, Oct 29: A deep depression over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining Odisha is driving unsettled weather across West Bengal, with rainfall forecast in several districts, heavy rain warnings for parts of south and north Bengal, and rough seas prompting an advisory for fishermen. Meanwhile, a separate low-pressure area over the south Andaman Sea is expected to intensify and move towards the southeast Bay of Bengal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on October 29 that the weather system, which weakened after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, was located about 20 km west of Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh and 250 km south of Raipur. It was moving north at 22 km per hour and was expected to weaken further by Thursday evening.
Although the depression was not expected to have a direct impact on West Bengal, the weather department forecast scattered light to moderate rain across the state. Kolkata was likely to remain cloudy through the day, with intermittent showers.
Similar conditions were forecast in Howrah, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia. Gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph could accompany rainfall in these areas.
The IMD issued a heavy rainfall forecast for Jhargram, Purulia and Bankura in south Bengal. In north Bengal, thunderstorms and rain were expected, with heavy rainfall warnings for Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri. The region had experienced clear weather in recent days before skies turned cloudy on Thursday morning.
With the Bay of Bengal remaining rough along the West Bengal and Odisha coasts, the department advised fishermen not to venture into the sea on Thursday.
Fresh snowfall was also reported in parts of east Sikkim, with Nathula and Tsomgo, also known as Changu, covered in a new layer of snow.
Separately, a low-pressure area has formed over the south Andaman Sea and adjoining regions. According to the weather department, the system is likely to move west-northwestwards over the next 24 hours and intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area. It may subsequently develop into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal.
The developing system will require continued monitoring as it progresses, while rainfall, wind and sea-condition advisories remain relevant for affected areas.
