Kolkata, Sep 1 (IANS) An active low-pressure system over Gangetic West Bengal triggered overnight downpours across Kolkata and southern districts on Tuesday morning, with weather officials forecasting continued thunderstorms and heavy precipitation through Wednesday.

The weather conditions are being influenced by an active low-pressure area. Rain is expected across south Bengal on Tuesday, with thunderstorms and gusty winds likely in several areas.

The Met Office has also forecast thunderstorms in north Bengal on Tuesday, with heavy rain likely at isolated places. Kolkata and South 24 Parganas may receive heavy rain, accompanied by thundershowers and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph.

Heavy rain is also likely in Purulia, Bankura, West Burdwan and Birbhum districts on Tuesday. While the rain warning for south Bengal is expected to end after Wednesday, scattered light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely to continue.

Although rainfall activity in south Bengal is expected to ease from Wednesday, north Bengal is likely to experience unsettled weather for several more days.

A storm warning has been issued for all districts of north Bengal on Tuesday. Heavy rain has been forecast in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar. These five districts are also likely to receive heavy rain on Wednesday and Thursday.

Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar on Friday as well.

Thunderstorms across the state may be accompanied by wind gusts of 30-40 kmph. The Met office has also warned of waterlogging in low-lying areas following heavy rain.

According to the weather office, the low-pressure area is currently situated over Gangetic West Bengal, adjoining Odisha and the northwest Bay of Bengal. The system has triggered thunderstorms in several southern districts since Monday.

In Kolkata, waterlogging was reported on several roads on Tuesday morning following overnight rain. Traffic movement was slow on many major roads.

Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 31.06 degrees Celsius on Monday, 0.09 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature was 27.07 degrees Celsius, 1.01 degrees above normal. Relative humidity ranged between 78 and 94 percent.

–IANS

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