With Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to arrive in West Bengal on Saturday for a packed itinerary marking West Bengal Day and International Yoga Day, persistent heavy rainfall across the state has raised concerns over weather conditions for June 21.
Preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit are in full swing, but the monsoon’s early intensity has disrupted normal life in both North and South Bengal. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been lashing the state since Friday morning, earlier than forecast, triggering infrastructure damage in the north and waterlogging in several southern districts, including Kolkata.
In North Bengal, intense rainfall led to the collapse of the Dudhia Bridge, while rivers have swelled dangerously. In South Bengal, continuous downpours have inundated roads across multiple districts, causing traffic disruptions and civic inconvenience.
According to meteorological officials, an active monsoon system is currently influencing the region. A low-pressure trough extending from Punjab to Bihar, combined with strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, has resulted in widespread rainfall across the state.
The Alipore Meteorological Office has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in the five northernmost districts over the next 24 hours, with Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall. Similar conditions are expected to persist in these areas for the next three days, although intensity may slightly decrease later.
Rainfall is also forecast across all districts of South Bengal on June 20 and 21. While Saturday is expected to witness significant rainfall, meteorologists indicate that on June 21 — coinciding with International Yoga Day — rainfall intensity may reduce slightly, with light to moderate showers and possible thunderstorms mainly during the afternoon.
A heavy rain warning remains in place for districts including Howrah, Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, East Bardhaman, East and West Medinipur, and Hooghly over the next 24 hours.
Rainfall is expected to continue through June 22, with a persistent risk of lightning over the next seven days. Although rainfall intensity may decrease between June 22 and 24, meteorologists predict a fresh increase from June 25 onward.
In Kolkata and adjoining areas, rain is likely to continue until Friday evening, easing slightly overnight before intensifying again on Saturday afternoon. The widespread rainfall has brought down temperatures by 3–4 degrees from previously above-normal levels. Officials indicate that no major fluctuations in temperature are expected over the next week.
Authorities have advised residents, particularly in the northern districts, to remain alert due to the risk of landslides and heavy downpours.
With the Prime Minister’s visit coinciding with active monsoon conditions, officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that scheduled events proceed smoothly despite weather-related challenges.
Also read: President Murmu, PM Modi to jointly visit Odisha on June 20
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