Kolkata is likely to remain under partly to mostly cloudy skies on September 21 as a weather system over the Bay of Bengal brings moisture and scattered rainfall to South Bengal. The system is expected to strengthen into a depression on September 21 and could intensify further into a deep depression by September 22.
Gangetic West Bengal may face a period of unsettled weather from September 22 to September 25. For Kolkata, the forecast indicates light to moderate rainfall in some areas, along with the possibility of thunderstorms.
Kolkata May See Scattered Rain and Thunderstorms
Weather conditions across Kolkata are expected to remain variable throughout September 21. While the city is unlikely to experience continuous or extremely heavy rainfall, different parts of Kolkata could receive a few spells of light to moderate rain.
The Alipore weather department has forecast a maximum temperature of around 33°C to 35°C, while the minimum temperature is expected to remain between 26°C and 27°C.
Thick Cloud Cover Over Kolkata
According to a Times report, Kolkata is currently seeing a cloud layer more than 18 feet thick in the sky. The cloud formations include cumulonimbus towers, which can grow vertically to considerable heights.
Doppler radar observations from the weather department indicate that some of these cloud tops are reaching between 12 km and 18 km above the ground.
The nearby Bay of Bengal supplies significant moisture to the region. As the morning temperature rises, this moisture-laden air moves upward rapidly. Meteorologists refer to the available energy supporting this upward movement as Convective Available Potential Energy, or CAPE, which can contribute to the rapid development of tall clouds.
Coastal South Bengal to See Increasing Weather Activity
The coastal districts of South Bengal are expected to experience the initial impact of the strengthening weather system. Cloud cover is likely to increase across North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram from September 21.
Meanwhile, conditions over the Bay of Bengal are becoming increasingly rough as the depression strengthens. On September 21, gusty winds of around 45 to 55 kmph are expected over the East-Central Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, with maximum wind speeds potentially reaching 65 kmph.
Fishermen Advised to Return to Coast
Due to the deteriorating sea conditions, authorities have prohibited fishermen from venturing into the deep sea. Fishermen who are already operating in the deep-sea areas have also been instructed to return to the coast immediately.
The weather system is expected to keep influencing conditions across Gangetic West Bengal through September 25, with the possibility of increased rainfall and thunderstorms during this period.
Disclaimer
Weather forecasts can change as the weather system develops. Rainfall, wind speed, temperature and other conditions may vary by location and time. Readers should refer to the latest official weather bulletins and local authorities for updated information and safety instructions.