Possible cyclone formation in Bay of Bengal, West Bengal on alert

For the past four years, the month of May has brought devastating cyclones to West Bengal, causing loss of life and property worth lakhs of rupees. This year, a heavy low-pressure system is once again forming in the Bay of Bengal, which may develop into a cyclone, according to a statement from the Meteorological Department on Wednesday.

The cloudy skies and continuous rains and thunderstorms of the past week have prevented winds from rising after heating up, leading to low pressure at sea level. This low pressure is expected to increase further over the next 48 hours, possibly leading to heavy rains and strong thunderstorms in the coastal areas of West Bengal, which may cause further loss of life and property.

The Meteorological Department has alerted the State Government of the possibilities of a cyclone, in view of the losses caused by Cyclone Amphan and Yash in the past. The Disaster Management Department has also informed the District Magistrates of coastal districts to remain alert. Mrityunjay Mohapatra, regional director of the Alipore-based Meteorological Department, has stated that a cyclone may form in the Bay of Bengal between May 5 and 11, and has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea during this period. People have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel.

Although the continuous rains have led to a drop in temperature, the cloudy skies are causing the sultry heat to continue in West Bengal. On Wednesday, the minimum temperature in Kolkata was recorded at 27.6 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal, while the maximum temperature was 34.8 degrees Celsius. Scattered rain is expected to continue throughout Wednesday and beyond in Kolkata, as well as in Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur.

The state government has urged citizens to stay alert and follow safety protocols in case of a cyclone.