South Bengal heavy rain warning this weekend as Bay low pressure looms
Synopsis
A Bay of Bengal low pressure system is set to drench south Bengal this weekend, with yellow warnings active from Friday through Sunday across districts including Hooghly, East Midnapore, and the 24 Parganas. Despite the rain, high humidity means heat discomfort will persist — a double burden for residents already navigating a sticky late-August monsoon.
Key Takeaways
IMD has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain in south Bengal from Friday to Sunday, 26 August weekend.
West Burdwan and Birbhum face heavy rain on Friday ; Hooghly , South 24 Parganas , North 24 Parganas , and East Midnapore on Saturday .
A low pressure area is likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal , combined with a cyclonic circulation at 7.6 km above sea level.
Kolkata expects light to moderate rain over the weekend; maximum temperature around 31°C , humidity at 96 per cent .
North Bengal upper districts — Darjeeling , Kalimpong , Jalpaiguri , Alipurduar , Cooch Behar — also under heavy rain forecast.
High humidity will prevent heat relief despite widespread rainfall across the state.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain across several districts of south Bengal this weekend, driven by the likely formation of a low pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal. The alert, announced on Wednesday, 26 August, covers a broad swathe of coastal and inland districts through Sunday.
District-wise Rain Forecast
According to the Met office, West Burdwan and Birbhum districts are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Friday. The warning then shifts to Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and East Midnapore on Saturday. By Sunday, the heavy rain alert extends to coastal areas and western regions of south Bengal. Scattered rain is expected across affected zones on Thursday as well.
In Kolkata, no heavy rain is forecast over the weekend, though light to moderate showers are likely. The city and surrounding areas will see cloudy skies with thundershowers on Wednesday, with temperatures expected to hover around 31 degrees Celsius (maximum) and 27 degrees Celsius (minimum).
What Is Driving the Rain
A Met Department official explained the meteorological triggers: 'A low pressure area is likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal. There is also a cyclonic circulation which is located 7.6 km above sea level. The low pressure area extends from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal. A large amount of moisture is entering Bengal from the Bay of Bengal. Due to this, continuous rain will occur.' This confluence of systems is a recurring monsoon pattern for the region, typically intensifying rainfall during the latter half of August.
Heat and Humidity to Persist Despite Rain
Despite the rain activity, residents should not expect relief from the oppressive heat. High humidity levels will keep discomfort elevated even during wet spells. On Tuesday, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius — 0.07 degrees below normal — and a minimum of 27.02 degrees Celsius, marginally above normal. Relative humidity stood at 96 per cent and 76 per cent at respective observation times.
North Bengal Also Under Heavy Rain Watch
The upper districts of North Bengal — Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar — are forecast to receive heavy rain as well. The remaining North Bengal districts can expect scattered light to moderate showers to continue through the period. Residents and authorities in hilly terrain are advised to remain alert given the elevated risk of waterlogging and runoff.
With the low pressure system yet to fully consolidate, forecasters are likely to update the warning as the weekend approaches.
Point of View
Which is progress, but last-mile communication to coastal fishing communities in East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas remains the weak link. A low pressure area forming over the Bay this late in August also warrants watching: if it intensifies, the weekend forecast could be significantly understated.
NationPress
26 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which districts in south Bengal are under heavy rain warning this weekend?
West Burdwan and Birbhum are under heavy rain warning on Friday, while Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and East Midnapore face the warning on Saturday. Coastal and western regions of south Bengal are also covered by the alert on Sunday.
What is causing the heavy rain forecast in West Bengal?
A low pressure area is likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal, combined with a cyclonic circulation at 7.6 km above sea level extending from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal. This is drawing large amounts of moisture from the Bay into Bengal, according to a Met Department official.
Will Kolkata receive heavy rain this weekend?
No heavy rain is forecast for Kolkata over the weekend. The city is expected to see light to moderate showers, with temperatures around 31 degrees Celsius (maximum) and 27 degrees Celsius (minimum).
Will the rain bring relief from the heat in Bengal?
Not significantly. Despite widespread rainfall, high humidity levels will keep discomfort elevated. On Tuesday, Kolkata's relative humidity was recorded at 96 per cent, and forecasters indicate this will persist even during rainy spells.
Is North Bengal also affected by the rain forecast?
Yes. The five upper districts of North Bengal — Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar — are forecast to receive heavy rain. The remaining North Bengal districts will see scattered light to moderate rainfall continuing through the period.
