Cyclone Arnab to hit Andhra coast by October 28; heavy rain forecast in parts of Bengal

KOLKATA: The depression over the east-central and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclone by Monday morning. The cyclone, which will be called ‘Arnab’, is expected to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28 evening or earlier. Its impact is likely to bring rain to Kolkata and several districts of south Bengal from Tuesday, with heavy rain forecast in some areas between October 28 and 30, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) said.The system started as a low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal. It became a well-marked low-pressure area early on Saturday and developed into a depression later in the day. It is accompanied by a cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above sea level.Squally winds are expected along and off the Bengal coast from Tuesday. Kolkata is likely to receive light to moderate rain, while heavy rain has been forecast at one or two places in some districts of south Bengal between October 28 and 30.“The city will remain cloudy from Tuesday, while sporadic showers are expected over the subsequent three days. Since the cyclone will hit the Andhra coast on Wednesday, clouds from the outer band of the system will start floating into south Bengal from early on Tuesday. It will lead to clouds and trigger rain in the city and surrounding districts. In Kolkata, the rain frequency and intensity are likely to peak between Wednesday and Thursday. It may continue on Friday but will lose intensity as the cyclone hits land and starts moving towards central or eastern India,” said Sourish Bandopadhyay, weather scientist at the RMC.The cyclone is likely to hit the Andhra coast by October 28 evening or even earlier. “Squally winds and heavy rain are expected along the coasts of south Bengal with wind speed reaching 30-40 km/hour,” Bandopadhyay added.According to a special bulletin issued by the RMC on Saturday, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at one or two places in East and West Midnapore, North and South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah and Hooghly on Tuesday. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are likely at one or two places in South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore and Jhargram.Rain and thundershowers are expected to continue on October 28. Heavy rain of 70-110 mm is likely at some places in South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore and Jhargram. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are also likely at several other places across south Bengal.On October 29, light to moderate rain is expected across south Bengal and Kolkata. Heavy rain has been forecast at some places in Midnapore, Bankura, Jhargram and Purulia. South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore are also likely to experience thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds during the day.The RMC has warned of possible lightning strikes in open fields between October 28 and 29. Waterlogging and some damage to standing crops are also possible.Kolkata remained dry and warm on Saturday, with the maximum temperature reaching 31.2°C. Dry weather is likely to continue on Sunday, with the maximum temperature expected to rise to 32°C.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in KolkataStay updated with the latest Kolkata news. Download the TOI App.