Monsoon's Fury Looms: Bengal Braces for Deluge, Landslide Alert in the North

West Bengal is bracing for a truly tumultuous weekend as the skies are set to unleash a torrent of heavy rainfall across the state, bringing with it a critical landslide warning for the picturesque yet vulnerable northern regions. From Friday through Monday, residents are advised to prepare for significant weather disruptions as an intensifying pre-monsoon system takes hold, painting a stark picture of thunder, lightning, and squally winds.

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata has issued a red alert, particularly for North Bengal's hilly districts.

Darjeeling and Kalimpong, renowned for their stunning landscapes, now face a heightened risk of landslides, which could severely impact travel and local communities. Alongside these, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri are also on high alert, with forecasts indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall, potentially accumulating between 7 to 20 centimeters.

But it's not just the north that will bear the brunt.

South Bengal districts are also in for a stormy ride. Expect widespread rain accompanied by fierce thunder, blinding lightning, and squally winds gusting between 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. This potent combination promises not only to drench but also to disrupt daily life, potentially leading to traffic snarls, localized waterlogging, and even damage to temporary structures and standing crops.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes this escalating weather phenomenon to a potent cocktail of moisture-laden winds surging inland from the Bay of Bengal, coupled with a developing low-pressure area over Odisha.

This atmospheric convergence is setting the stage for an extended period of intense weather activity.

Authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution. Fishermen have been strongly advised to steer clear of the sea, while residents across the state are encouraged to remain indoors during severe thunderstorms and squalls to ensure their safety.

It's a weekend where vigilance and preparedness will be paramount as Bengal navigates through the stormy embrace of the pre-monsoon season.