Orange alert in West Bengal coastal districts as Bay low-pressure intensifies
Synopsis
A strengthening low-pressure area in the northwest Bay of Bengal has triggered an orange alert across West Bengal's coastal districts, with a fishing ban in force and heavy rain forecast from Kolkata to the Odisha border. The system is set to intensify over the next two days — and residents across southern Bengal should brace for more.
Key Takeaways
The RMC Kolkata issued an orange alert for coastal West Bengal on 30 August , valid through Monday .
A low-pressure area in the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify and cross Gangetic West Bengal and North Odisha within two days.
Fishermen have been banned from the sea along the North Odisha coast and Gangetic West Bengal coast through Monday.
Heavy rain forecast covers Kolkata , North and South 24 Parganas , Howrah , East and West Midnapore , Jhargram , Purulia , and Bankura .
A yellow warning of scattered heavy rain has been issued for Darjeeling , Kalimpong , Alipurduar , and Jalpaiguri in north Bengal.
Kolkata's maximum temperature on Saturday was 33.06°C , with humidity peaking at 94% .
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata on Sunday, 30 August issued an orange alert for coastal districts of West Bengal through Monday, warning of very heavy rain as a low-pressure area in the northwest Bay of Bengal gathers strength. The system is expected to cross Gangetic West Bengal and North Odisha within two days, bringing rough seas and sustained heavy rainfall to coastal and adjacent districts.
Low-Pressure System and What It Means
Met Department official Sourish Banerjee confirmed that the low-pressure area currently positioned in the northwest Bay of Bengal will intensify over the next two days. As it tracks toward Gangetic West Bengal and North Odisha, coastal belts are expected to bear the brunt of heavy precipitation. This kind of system, when it deepens further, can trigger flash flooding and waterlogging — particularly in low-lying coastal zones.
Rain has already been falling across the region since Saturday, with the weather office warning of continued heavy spells through Monday across a wide swathe of southern West Bengal.
Districts Under Orange Alert
The orange alert — signifying a warning of very heavy rain — covers the coastal districts of the state as well as districts bordering Odisha. Specifically, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, and Jhargram are under the orange warning. Heavy rainfall is also forecast for Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Purulia, and Bankura districts during the day and into Monday.
Fishermen Banned from Sea
Citing the risk of rough seas, the Met Department has issued a fishing ban for waters off the North Odisha coast and the Gangetic West Bengal coast through Monday. Banerjee stated, 'Keeping in mind the possibility of rough seas, a warning has been issued for fishermen till Monday. Fishermen have been prohibited from going to sea in the districts of North Odisha coast and Gangetic West Bengal coast.'
Coastal communities dependent on fishing are advised to stay ashore until the system weakens and the alert is lifted.
North Bengal Also on Watch
The weather disruption is not confined to the south. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of scattered heavy rain for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri districts in north Bengal, with rainfall expected to increase on Monday. Scattered thunderstorms are also likely across the northern belt.
Kolkata Temperature and Humidity
On Saturday, Kolkata's maximum temperature was recorded at 33.06 degrees Celsius, some 1.01 degrees above normal. The minimum stood at 27.02 degrees Celsius, marginally above normal by 0.06 degrees. Relative humidity peaked at 94 per cent and dipped to a minimum of 66 per cent, according to the weather office, reflecting the moisture-laden conditions driving the rainfall activity.
Residents across coastal and southern districts should stay alert to official advisories as the low-pressure system is likely to evolve through Monday.
Point of View
But the real concern is how quickly this low-pressure system deepens. West Bengal's coastal districts — particularly East Midnapore and the Sundarbans fringe — have limited drainage resilience, and a system that intensifies faster than forecast can tip a heavy-rain event into a flood emergency within hours. The fishing ban is the right call, but onshore preparedness — evacuation readiness in low-lying areas, NDRF pre-positioning — deserves equal urgency. Bengal has seen repeated instances where Met alerts were accurate but ground-level response lagged.
NationPress
30 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the orange alert issued for West Bengal on 30 August?
The orange alert is a very heavy rain warning issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata for coastal districts of West Bengal, valid through Monday. It is linked to a low-pressure system forming in the northwest Bay of Bengal that is expected to intensify and move inland.
Which districts in West Bengal are under the orange alert?
The orange alert covers coastal districts of West Bengal and those bordering Odisha, specifically East Midnapore, West Midnapore, and Jhargram. Heavy rain is also forecast for Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Purulia, and Bankura.
Why have fishermen been banned from going to sea?
The Met Department has prohibited fishermen from venturing into the sea along the North Odisha coast and Gangetic West Bengal coast through Monday due to the risk of rough seas caused by the intensifying low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal.
Is north Bengal also affected by the weather warning?
Yes, north Bengal is under a yellow warning for scattered heavy rain in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri districts, with rainfall expected to increase on Monday. Thunderstorm activity is also forecast for the northern belt.
How long will the heavy rain continue in West Bengal?
According to the weather office, heavy rain is expected to continue through at least Monday across southern and coastal West Bengal. The low-pressure system is forecast to cross Gangetic West Bengal and North Odisha within two days, after which conditions may gradually ease.
