New Delhi: A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 26 and bring heavy rainfall to parts of West
Bengal from October 28, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday.
The system could also lower daytime temperatures by two to three degrees Celsius across southern West Bengal. The IMD expects it to move west-northwestwards towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts.
System may strengthen further
According to the weather department, the low-pressure area formed at 5.30 am under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal.
The system is likely to develop into a depression on October 24. It could strengthen into a cyclonic storm by October 26 as it moves west-northwestwards. The forecast indicates further intensification towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts over the subsequent two days.
Bengal braces for rain
The IMD forecast thunderstorms with winds gusting up to 40 km per hour across all south Bengal districts from October 28. Heavy rainfall is likely in the coastal districts of South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur. The western districts of Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia and Bankura could also receive heavy rain.
Kolkata is likely to experience thunderstorms from October 28. The weather office advised fisherfolk not to venture into the sea from October 26 as the system strengthens over the Bay of Bengal.
Andhra rainfall warning issued
Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority forecast scattered heavy rainfall across the state over the next four days under the influence of the northeast monsoon. APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain said cloudy skies, moderate rainfall and lightning were likely on Friday. He urged residents to remain alert and take precautions.
The authority forecast moderate rain accompanied by lightning at isolated places in Vizianagaram, Manyam, Alluri, Kadapa, Annamayya, Chittoor and Tirupati districts on Friday. Jain also advised people against taking shelter under trees or standing near large hoardings during thunderstorms because of the risk posed by lightning and strong winds.
