A sudden spell of rain accompanied by lightning lashed Kolkata and its neighboring districts on Thursday evening, providing much-needed relief from the scorching humidity. However, the joy might be short-lived as the Alipore Meteorological Department has predicted a significant weather deterioration across West Bengal starting Friday.

South Bengal Impact: The evening shower in the city was triggered by local cloud formation, but a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is now intensifying. According to the IMD, districts including Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, and Howrah are likely to witness heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph are expected in coastal areas, prompting authorities to advise fishermen to stay away from the deep sea.

North Bengal Crisis: The situation in North Bengal appears even more grim. A ‘Red Alert’ has been issued for Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri. Continuous heavy downpours could lead to a rise in the water levels of major rivers like Teesta and Jaldhaka. Furthermore, the threat of landslides in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills has put the local administration on high alert. Travelers are advised to monitor weather updates closely before planning any movement in the hilly terrains.