South Bengal yellow alert: Heavy rain in 4 districts for 2 more days
Synopsis
Even as the low-pressure system shifts toward Jharkhand, south Bengal's four districts remain under yellow alert with heavy rain and 55-65 kmph sea winds expected through Sunday. Fishermen have been barred from coastal waters — a reminder that the monsoon's tail can be as disruptive as its peak.
Key Takeaways
A yellow alert for heavy rain has been issued for four districts of south Bengal, valid through Sunday, 17 August .
Habibur Rahman Biswas , Eastern Regional Director of the RMC Kolkata , confirmed the warning remains in force till Sunday.
Gusty winds of 55 to 65 kmph are expected over the north Bay of Bengal ; fishermen advised to avoid coastal waters of West Bengal and Odisha .
Rainfall intensity expected to decline from Monday ; no formal warning issued for Monday or Tuesday.
Kolkata recorded a max temperature of 31.6°C on Friday, with humidity ranging 76–97% .
Several districts of south Bengal are set to receive heavy rainfall for at least two more days as the southwest monsoon axis remains active, the Meteorological Department said on Saturday, 15 August. A yellow alert has been issued for four districts in the region, even as the low-pressure area responsible for the wet spell gradually tracks toward Jharkhand.
Yellow Alert and Warning Details
The yellow warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms will remain in force through Sunday, according to Habibur Rahman Biswas, Eastern Regional Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata. Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is also expected at isolated locations across the region during this period.
Gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph may accompany rainfall over Kolkata, with the city forecast to receive light to moderate rain on both Saturday and Sunday. Chances of rainfall are expected to increase on Sunday before easing from Monday.
Conditions to Ease From Monday
The intensity and geographical spread of rainfall are expected to decline from Monday onwards. Scattered light rain may continue at one or two places on Monday and Tuesday, but the weather office has not issued any formal warning for those days — indicating a gradual return to more settled conditions.
Fishermen Advisory
The Meteorological Department has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until Saturday afternoon, as the north Bay of Bengal is likely to remain rough under the influence of the lingering low-pressure system. Gusty winds reaching 55 to 65 kmph are expected over the sea. Fishermen have been specifically advised to stay away from the coastal waters of West Bengal and Odisha during this period.
Kolkata Temperature and Humidity
Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 31.6 degrees Celsius on Friday, which was 0.3 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature stood at 26.8 degrees Celsius, marginally 0.3 degrees above normal. Relative humidity ranged between 76 and 97 per cent, and the city received little rain in the preceding 24 hours.
On Saturday, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, with the minimum likely near 27 degrees Celsius. With the monsoon axis holding firm for now, south Bengal residents should expect continued wet and gusty conditions before conditions normalise early next week.
Point of View
The active monsoon axis keeps coastal and southern Bengal districts exposed well beyond the system's landfall. The fishermen advisory — covering both West Bengal and Odisha coastlines — reflects a broader Bay of Bengal risk window that often gets underreported once the headline low-pressure event moves on. Authorities would do well to track whether the Monday easing actually materialises, given how frequently 'improving' forecasts have been revised this monsoon season.
NationPress
15 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which districts in south Bengal are under yellow alert?
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for four districts in south Bengal, valid through Sunday, 17 August, for heavy rain and thunderstorms. The specific district names were not detailed in the official statement, but the alert covers the southern part of West Bengal.
When will the rain ease in south Bengal?
Rainfall intensity and spread are expected to decline from Monday onwards. Scattered light rain may continue at isolated locations on Monday and Tuesday, but no formal weather warning has been issued for those days.
Why are fishermen advised not to go to sea?
The north Bay of Bengal is expected to remain rough due to the influence of the low-pressure system, with gusty winds of 55 to 65 kmph forecast over the sea. Fishermen have been advised to avoid coastal waters of West Bengal and Odisha until Saturday afternoon at least.
What is the weather forecast for Kolkata this weekend?
Kolkata is forecast to receive light to moderate rain on Saturday and Sunday, with gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph. The maximum temperature is expected around 32 degrees Celsius and the minimum near 27 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
What is causing the heavy rain in south Bengal?
The heavy rain is being driven by an active southwest monsoon axis, even as the associated low-pressure area gradually moves toward Jharkhand. The monsoon trough's persistence is keeping rainfall conditions active across south Bengal.
