2nd depression in 6 days off Orissa, heavy rains likely

Kolkata, Aug 2 (UNI) Heavy rains are likely to lash Kolkata with the formation of a depression, the second in six days, off the Orissa coast.

The city has been witnessing sporadic rains accompanied by strong winds since early today.

The met department warned that the depression lay in the Northwest of Orissa and was likely to move in the north westerly direction crossing Balasore in Orissa and Digha in West Bengal causing heavy to very heavy rainfall in its wake.

Met in-charge K Sitaram said the wind speed was going to be very strong in the coastal areas and fishermen had been advised not to venture into the sea in the next 48 hours.

He also added that areas surrounding the Hooghly port would also experience strong gusty wind along with thunderstorms.

Met officials also said the monsoon currents were coming in pulses which resulted in sporadic rainfall this season.

They have also forecast heavy rainfall in the Gangetic and sub- Himalayan parts of the state in the next 24 hours.

The temperature has, however, increased to 33.7 degree Celsius and the minimum was 26 degree Celsius with a relative humidity of 97 per cent.

UNI PP PL SB DS1405