Bengal heavy rain forecast: Districts on alert from Aug 22 to 26
Synopsis
The monsoon axis is holding firm over Bengal even after the low-pressure system moved away — keeping heavy rain on the cards for north and south Bengal districts through mid-week. Meanwhile, Kolkata is getting hotter and muggier, with temperatures already breaching seasonal norms, adding a heat-stress dimension to an otherwise rain-dominated weather story.
Key Takeaways
The Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata forecast scattered heavy rain across north and south Bengal districts from 22 August onwards.
Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar face the longest spell — heavy rain from Saturday to Wednesday .
Thunderstorms and lightning likely in Kolkata , Howrah , and Hooghly on Monday and Tuesday ; gusty winds of 20–40 km/h expected.
No weather warning issued for South Bengal after Tuesday ; no fishermen's warning due to calm sea conditions.
Kolkata minimum temperature on Saturday was 28.2°C , 1.8 degrees above normal ; maximum on Friday was 33.1°C , 1.1 degrees above normal .
Active monsoon axis — not a fresh low-pressure system — is sustaining the ongoing rainfall.
The Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata on Saturday, 22 August issued a multi-day heavy rain forecast for several districts across north and south Bengal, warning of scattered thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over the coming days. Light to moderate rainfall is expected to persist across the remaining districts throughout the period.
District-wise Rain Alert for South Bengal
Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly districts are likely to experience scattered rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning on Monday and Tuesday. Rainfall activity is set to begin earlier — from Saturday itself — in North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Purulia districts.
Heavy rain is forecast for Bankura, Jhargram, West Midnapore, East Midnapore, and South 24 Parganas from Monday onwards. Gusty winds blowing at 20 to 40 kilometres per hour are also expected across these zones. Notably, no weather warning has been issued for any part of South Bengal beyond Tuesday, though some rainfall will persist in all districts until then.
North Bengal to Receive Prolonged Heavy Rain
Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts face the most sustained spell, with heavy rain expected from Saturday through Wednesday. Cooch Behar and Darjeeling districts are likely to receive scattered heavy rain on Monday, while Kalimpong district is on alert from Saturday.
In contrast, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda districts are not expected to receive heavy rain for now, though scattered showers will continue from Saturday to Tuesday.
Why the Rain Continues Despite Low Pressure Moving Away
According to the meteorological centre, although the low-pressure system that had been driving intense rainfall has shifted away, the monsoon axis remains active. This active monsoon trough is sustaining localised convective rainfall from thunderclouds across the region for a few more days. With sea conditions relatively calm, no warning has been issued for fishermen at this time.
Kolkata Sees Rising Temperatures and Humidity Discomfort
Even as rain activity persists, Kolkata is experiencing a notable drop in rainfall intensity alongside a rise in temperatures. The city's minimum temperature on Saturday stood at 28.2 degrees Celsius — 1.8 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature on Friday was recorded at 33.1 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees above normal.
High humidity levels have compounded the heat, pushing the discomfort index higher. Weather officials confirmed that the mercury has already crossed normal seasonal limits. Residents should expect muggy conditions to persist even on days with reduced rainfall.
With the monsoon axis still active and temperatures trending above normal, Bengal is likely to see an unsettled weather pattern through at least the middle of next week.
Point of View
Particularly Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar, is a near-perennial monsoon feature tied to the sub-Himalayan geography — prolonged spells there carry real flood and landslide risk that a routine forecast bulletin can understate. The more unusual signal is Kolkata: rainfall is easing but temperatures and humidity are climbing above seasonal norms simultaneously, a combination that raises heat-stress risk for a dense urban population not accustomed to August heat. That dual pressure — wet periphery, hot centre — deserves more granular public health communication than a standard rain alert provides.
NationPress
22 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bengal districts are under heavy rain alert from 22 August?
Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar face heavy rain from Saturday to Wednesday, the longest spell. Bankura, Jhargram, West Midnapore, East Midnapore, and South 24 Parganas are on heavy rain alert from Monday, while Cooch Behar and Darjeeling are likely to receive scattered heavy rain on Monday and Kalimpong on Saturday.
Will Kolkata see heavy rain this week?
Kolkata is forecast to receive scattered rains with thunderstorms and lightning on Monday and Tuesday. However, overall rainfall in the city has decreased compared to previous days, with temperatures and humidity rising above normal levels.
Why is it still raining in Bengal even though the low pressure has moved away?
The Regional Meteorological Centre explained that while the low-pressure system has shifted, the monsoon axis remains active. This active monsoon trough continues to generate localised convective rainfall from thunderclouds across Bengal for a few more days.
Is there any warning for fishermen in Bengal?
No warning has been issued for fishermen at this time. The meteorological centre stated that sea conditions are relatively calm, making it safe for fishing activity off the Bengal coast for now.
What is the current temperature situation in Kolkata?
Kolkata is experiencing above-normal temperatures alongside high humidity. The minimum temperature on Saturday was 28.2 degrees Celsius, 1.8 degrees above normal, and the maximum on Friday was 33.1 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees above normal, pushing discomfort levels higher.
