Heavy rain red alert for north Bengal hills on July 8, landslide risk high
Synopsis
A red alert for very heavy rain is set to hit north Bengal's hill districts on 8 July, with the IMD warning that rivers including the Teesta and Torsa could breach danger levels and landslides may strike Darjeeling and Kalimpong. With the depression clearing south Bengal, the full force of the weather system is bearing down on the hills — on terrain already soaked from days of prior rain.
Key Takeaways
IMD issued a red alert for five north Bengal hill districts — Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri — for Wednesday, 8 July .
An orange alert is in effect for the same districts on Tuesday, 7 July ; remaining north Bengal districts are under a yellow alert .
Rivers including Teesta, Torsa, Jaldhaka , and Raidak may exceed their danger levels, risking floods in low-lying areas.
Landslides are specifically warned for hill areas including Darjeeling and Kalimpong .
South Bengal, including Kolkata , faces only scattered rain until Thursday, when thunderstorm chances rise.
Kolkata recorded 26°C minimum, 29°C maximum, and 3.7 mm rainfall in the previous 24 hours as of Monday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday, 7 July issued a red alert for five hill districts of north Bengal for Wednesday, 8 July, warning of very heavy rainfall that could trigger landslides and push river levels beyond the danger mark. The warning covers Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri, with an orange alert already in effect for the same districts on Tuesday.
Alert Levels Across North Bengal
An orange alert for heavy rain was issued for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri on Tuesday, while the remaining north Bengal districts are under a yellow alert. The situation escalates on Wednesday, when a red alert for very heavy rain comes into force for the five hill districts. North Dinajpur district has also been placed under a yellow alert for heavy rain.
Landslide and Flood Risk
IMD officials warned that landslides are likely in hilly areas including Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Rivers including the Teesta, Torsa, Jaldhaka, and Raidak may breach their danger levels, according to the department. Low-lying areas face flooding risk, and standing crops could sustain damage.
'The depression is clearing over south Bengal districts. Therefore, heavy rain is unlikely. Scattered light to moderate rain will continue. However, heavy rain has been predicted in north Bengal, which could swell rivers and cause landslides. Specific warning for rain has been issued,' a Met Department official said.
South Bengal Outlook
The weather agency ruled out heavy rain in south Bengal for now, with the depression system clearing the region. Cloudy skies with scattered light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday. The probability of thunderstorms rises from Thursday, with heavy rain likely on Friday in North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas districts. A yellow alert for thunderstorms remains in place over the weekend.
Kolkata Weather Update
Chances of rain in Kolkata are set to increase from Thursday, with a yellow alert for thunderstorms and rain through the weekend. On Monday, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 26°C and a maximum of 29°C, with relative humidity ranging between 86% and 98%. Rainfall in the previous 24 hours stood at 3.7 mm.
Authorities in the hill districts are expected to remain on high alert through Wednesday as the red alert window coincides with already saturated terrain — a combination that historically amplifies landslide risk in the Darjeeling hills.
Point of View
Sharply elevating landslide probability. What mainstream coverage tends to underplay is the crop-damage dimension: Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar are major tea and jute belts, and flooding at this stage of the kharif season can translate into significant agricultural losses. The Teesta's history of breaching banks also raises questions about the adequacy of flood-warning infrastructure downstream, particularly for communities in Cooch Behar and North Bengal's border districts. The clearing of the depression over south Bengal is a temporary reprieve, not an all-clear — the system's energy is simply concentrating northward.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the red alert issued for north Bengal on 8 July?
The IMD has issued a red alert for five north Bengal hill districts — Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri — for Wednesday, 8 July, warning of very heavy rainfall. The alert signals a high risk of landslides and rivers breaching danger levels.
Which rivers are at risk of flooding in north Bengal?
The Teesta, Torsa, Jaldhaka, and Raidak rivers may rise above their danger levels, according to the IMD. Low-lying areas along these rivers face a risk of flooding, and standing crops could be damaged.
Is south Bengal also at risk of heavy rain?
Not immediately. The IMD has ruled out heavy rain in south Bengal for Tuesday and Wednesday, as the depression system is clearing the region. However, thunderstorm chances increase from Thursday, with heavy rain expected in North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas on Friday.
What is the difference between orange, yellow, and red alerts?
A yellow alert indicates a watch for moderate rain or thunderstorms; an orange alert signals heavy to very heavy rain requiring preparedness; a red alert is the highest warning level, demanding immediate action as extremely heavy rain is expected. North Bengal's hill districts are currently under orange (Tuesday) escalating to red (Wednesday).
What is the weather forecast for Kolkata this week?
Kolkata will see cloudy skies with scattered rain through Wednesday, with thunderstorm probability rising from Thursday. A yellow alert for thunderstorms is in place over the weekend. The city recorded 26°C minimum and 29°C maximum temperatures on Monday, with 3.7 mm of rainfall in 24 hours.
