Deep Depression Near Kolkata: IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall and Wind Warnings for 9 States

A deep depression near Kolkata has formed, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue warnings for heavy rainfall and strong winds across nine states. The system originated over Bangladesh and adjacent Gangetic West Bengal and has intensified, now positioned about 90 km northeast of Canning and 100 km east-northeast of Kolkata. Traveling west-northwestward at 23 km/h, the depression is expected to maintain its strength until this evening, after which it will likely weaken as it moves across Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand over the next two days.

Heavy Rainfall Expected in Several States

On September 14, the IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall across Gangetic West Bengal, including Kolkata, with some areas experiencing heavy to very heavy downpours. Isolated regions could see extreme rainfall. Over the next two days, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya are also expected to face heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Wind and Sea Condition Warnings

Squally winds of 50-60 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h, are already affecting the North Bay of Bengal and the coastal regions of Bangladesh, West Bengal, and North Odisha. These wind conditions are expected to last until the evening of September 14, after which speeds may reduce to 40-50 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h. Gangetic West Bengal (including Kolkata), North Odisha, and Jharkhand can expect winds of 45-55 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, from the night of September 14 to the morning of September 15.

Additionally, North Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh, and Southeast Uttar Pradesh will experience winds of 40-50 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 60 km/h, between the evening of September 15 and September 16.

Fishermen Alert: Rough Sea Conditions

Rough to very rough sea conditions are forecasted for the North Bay of Bengal and the West Bengal-Odisha coasts until the evening of September 14. The seas are expected to remain rough until the morning of September 16. Fishermen are strongly advised to avoid venturing into the North Bay of Bengal and along the coasts of Bangladesh, West Bengal, and Odisha until conditions improve by September 16.

Monsoon Withdrawal in Sight

The IMD has also indicated that favorable conditions are developing for the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from parts of northwest India between September 19 and 25. Typically, the monsoon begins retreating from northwest India around September 17, with complete withdrawal expected by October 15.