Cyclone Dana weakens to low pressure over Odisha, heavy rains persist in parts of Bengal

Cyclone ‘Dana’ has weakened into a low-pressure area, currently situated over Odisha, after causing heavy rainfall across various districts in West Bengal. The cyclone's intensity decreased as it moved inland, with the Alipur Meteorological Department reporting significant improvements in weather conditions across most parts of Bengal on Saturday morning. However, alerts for scattered showers remain in place, particularly in East and West Midnapore and Jhargram districts, where heavy rain is still anticipated.

The weather office indicated that the low-pressure area over northern Odisha will continue to move westward towards Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Along with the diminishing cyclone, two cyclonic circulations are present over northeast Assam and the southern coast of Kerala. A new western disturbance is also forming, which may further influence weather patterns in the region but is not expected to cause immediate heavy rainfall in Bengal.

In East and West Midnapore and Jhargram, isolated heavy rainfall is expected throughout Saturday, with light to moderate rain likely in other districts of Gangetic West Bengal. While residents may experience sporadic showers, the likelihood of intense rainfall will reduce by the afternoon. By Sunday, a noticeable improvement in weather conditions is forecasted, allowing for more stable atmospheric conditions.

In Kolkata, the minimum temperature recorded on Saturday is expected to be 24.4°C, following a maximum of 26.2°C the previous day. Over the next 24 hours, the city’s temperature is predicted to fluctuate between 24°C and 30°C. The aftermath of Friday’s rain has led to significant waterlogging on several city roads, impacting daily activities. Numerous paddy fields in surrounding districts have also been submerged due to the rainfall.

Meanwhile, North Bengal is anticipated to experience dry weather, with only slight chances of rain in select hill regions. The heavy rains from previous days have led to a drop in temperatures, though a minor rise is expected during the afternoon. Overall, as conditions stabilize over the weekend, residents can anticipate clearer skies and improved weather in the coming days.