The Bay of Bengal is once again showing signs of turbulence as a well-marked low-pressure area off the Odisha coast strengthened early Wednesday and is expected to intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for several eastern states, with Gangetic West Bengal likely to witness moderate to heavy rainfall, squally winds, and thunderstorm activity over the next two days.

The system, which had been developing since Tuesday, continues to linger over the northwest Bay of Bengal, drawing energy from the warm sea surface temperatures (30–32°C) and an active Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO). It is also being fuelled by strong atmospheric dynamics, including intense convection and favorable moisture conditions, although moderate wind shear and onset of the southwest monsoon may hinder rapid intensification.

“We’re monitoring the system closely. While it is unlikely to become a severe cyclone due to limited time over sea, heavy rains are expected in South Bengal districts,” said a senior IMD official.

What It Means for West Bengal:

• Heavy Rainfall Alert:
  Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, East & West Midnapore, and South 24 Parganas are expected to receive widespread rains with isolated heavy to very heavy showers starting late Wednesday.
• Local Flooding Risk:
  With the ground already moist from pre-monsoon showers, waterlogging in urban areas like Kolkata and low-lying districts could occur quickly, especially during high tides.
• Thunderstorm & Gusty Winds:
  Wind speeds of 40–60 km/h are likely to accompany the rain, along with thunderstorm activity and lightning—posing a risk to outdoor events, power infrastructure, and trees.
• Impact on Agriculture:
  While the rainfall may offer welcome relief to paddy farmers, unseasonal heavy showers could damage harvest-ready crops in parts of south Bengal.
• Travel Disruptions:
  Local train services and road transport may be affected due to waterlogging or visibility issues during downpours.

Eyes on the Coast, Ears on the Radio

Fisherfolk have been advised not to venture into the sea, especially off the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal. The government has put disaster response teams on standby, and district administrations have been alerted for possible evacuations if the system intensifies.

As of now, the depression is not expected to escalate into a cyclone due to moderate to strong wind shear and its proximity to land. However, meteorologists caution that the system still packs enough punch to cause widespread disruption through rain, wind, and waterlogging.