Run-up to Puja could be wet in Kolkata, warns Met

KOLKATA: After three consecutive days of rain, Kolkata remained relatively dry on Friday but the Met office has predicted more showers over the weekend and beyond. A low-pressure trough may form over north-east Bay of Bengal on Saturday, leading to ‘light to moderate rain’ till at least Monday, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC). An active monsoon trough that now passes over Bay of Bengal could contribute to the showers.
“It is set to form over north-east Bay though it is still early to predict its outcome.What could make matters worse is the presence of the monsoon trough in the same area. It has led to a cyclonic circulation that could trigger showers till at least Monday,” said RMC director GK Das. The twin effect of the circulation and the trough will ensure that the next three days will be largely cloudy with intermittent showers. “While there is yet no indication of a heavy spell, moderate showers are likely to continue,” added Das.
The low-pressure trough that originally extended between Tamil Nadu and Bangladesh through south Bengal moved north on Thursday and stretched from Maharashtra to north Bengal. “It has changed position to move north. While the intensity of rain lessened in Kolkata, we now expect moderate showers. Rain will linger in Kolkata till, at least, Monday,” said Das.
Concerns over rain have already prompted the police to ask puja organizers to take steps to prevent waterlogging around pandals. The latter have been asked to arrange for wooden planks, sand and bricks to help revellers wade through slush and water in case it rains heavily. While heavy downpours have been rare this monsoon, steady drizzles have been frequent. This week, for instance, Kolkata received more than 160mm rain between Monday and Wednesday, mostly in the form of drizzles.
“There has been just one heavy downpour this season, on August 16. Light rain, moderate showers and drizzles have been the norm this time. This week, too, Kolkata was lashed by steady drizzles interspersed with a few moderate spells. If the low pressure forms on Saturday, more moderate showers are likely till early next week,” said a weather scientist.