Heavy rain alert for South Bengal districts in next 48 hours: IMD
Synopsis
A Bay of Bengal low pressure system is pushing heavy rain and thunderstorms across South Bengal for at least 48 hours from 24 August, with nine districts under formal IMD thunderstorm warnings. North Bengal — including Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri — faces a second wave of heavy showers by Thursday, 28 August, making this a week-long weather event rather than a passing spell.
Key Takeaways
IMD issued a heavy rain warning for South Bengal on 24 August , valid for the next 48 hours .
A low pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal is driving the active weather system.
Thunderstorm warning issued for 9 districts : North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia.
Coastal districts face winds of 40–50 km/h ; Kolkata may see gusts of 30–40 km/h .
North Bengal — Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar — faces heavy rain on Tuesday and again on 28 August .
Kolkata temperature on Sunday: max 33.4°C (1.4° above normal), min 27.6°C (1.2° above normal).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday, 24 August issued a heavy rain warning for several districts of South Bengal over the next 48 hours, attributing the threat to a low pressure area positioned over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions. The system is expected to sustain and intensify rainfall across both south and north Bengal through the week.
Districts Under Alert
Jhargram and Purulia are likely to receive heavy rain in isolated pockets. Coastal districts — East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas — face a heightened risk of thunderstorms accompanied by winds of 40 to 50 km per hour. Kolkata and several neighbouring districts may also see thundershowers with gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 km per hour.
The weather office has issued a formal thunderstorm warning for North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia for Tuesday, 26 August. Scattered rain is forecast to continue across most of south Bengal on Tuesday and Wednesday.
North Bengal Forecast
North Bengal will not be spared. Heavy showers are likely in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar on Tuesday. Similar conditions are anticipated in Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Alipurduar on Thursday, 28 August, suggesting the system's influence will linger well into the latter half of the week.
Kolkata Temperature and Humidity
Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 33.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday — 1.4 degrees above normal — while the minimum stood at 27.6 degrees Celsius, 1.2 degrees above normal. Relative humidity fluctuated between 67% and 94%, reflecting the moisture-laden conditions driving the active weather spell.
What to Expect Through the Week
Favourable conditions for sustained rainfall are expected to persist across Bengal throughout the week, according to the met office. The low pressure area, which had remained stationary over the northwest Bay of Bengal until Sunday morning, will determine the pace and intensity of further developments. The IMD has indicated that additional alerts will be issued as the system evolves. Residents in affected districts are advised to remain alert to brief but intense rain bursts, thunderstorms, and strong surface winds during this period.
Point of View
But what stands out here is the geographic spread — nine districts under simultaneous thunderstorm warnings is not routine. The above-normal temperatures in Kolkata combined with high humidity create ideal conditions for convective storms that can deliver intense, localised downpours far exceeding the 'heavy rain' label. The IMD's caveat that 'further alerts will be issued' signals genuine uncertainty about the system's track — meaning the 48-hour window could extend. Authorities in low-lying coastal districts of East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas, perennially vulnerable to surge flooding, should not wait for the next bulletin to act.
NationPress
24 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which South Bengal districts are under IMD thunderstorm warning?
The IMD has issued a thunderstorm warning for nine districts: North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia, effective Tuesday, 26 August.
What is causing the heavy rain in Bengal?
A low pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions is the primary driver. The system remained stationary over the same area until Sunday morning and is expected to sustain and intensify rainfall across Bengal through the week.
Will Kolkata be affected by the rain?
Yes. Kolkata is likely to experience thundershowers and gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 km per hour. The city recorded above-normal temperatures and high humidity on Sunday, conditions that can intensify localised downpours.
When will North Bengal receive heavy rain?
Heavy showers are forecast for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar on Tuesday, 26 August. A second spell is expected in Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Alipurduar on Thursday, 28 August.
How long will the rainy conditions last in Bengal?
Favourable conditions for rainfall are expected to persist across Bengal throughout the week. The IMD has said further alerts will be issued depending on the movement and development of the low pressure system.
