Kolkata: If you thought the last few showers were the end of monsoon drama, think again. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a clear alert: West Bengal is in for a full week of rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds — till 13th August.
From Thursday night itself, skies began to shift, and by Friday morning, it was evident across districts — light to heavy rain, dark clouds, and thunder rolling in. Kolkata and most parts of South Bengal woke up to a wet and windy morning, and the forecast says — it’s just getting started.
🌀 What’s Brewing in the Skies?
As per the latest update from the weather department, the monsoon trough is hovering close to the Himalayan foothills, right over North Bengal. Meanwhile, a cyclonic circulation over north Bangladesh is pulling in massive amounts of moisture — setting the stage for widespread rainfall across the region.
📅 Rain Forecast Day-by-Day
8th August (Friday):
- North Bengal: Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar & North Dinajpur are likely to witness heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) at isolated spots. The rest of North Bengal could see moderate rain with lightning.
- Malda, Dinajpur, Cooch Behar & Jalpaiguri: Brace for 30-40 km/h winds along with rain and thunder.
- South Bengal: Districts like Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum & South 24 Parganas might face heavy downpour, with chances of lightning and strong gusts.
9th August (Saturday):
- Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar: Expect more heavy showers, especially in the hilly zones.
- South Bengal: Rain and thunder likely to continue in Murshidabad, Bankura, Nadia, Purulia, East & West Bardhaman.
10th August (Sunday):
- North Bengal: Heavy rains may persist in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar.
- South Bengal: Slight relief — lesser chances of extreme weather.
12-13 August:
- North Bengal: Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar & Cooch Behar may face very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
- South Bengal: Patchy rain possible on the 12th, but conditions expected to improve after that.
⚠️ Landslides, Waterlogging & Low Visibility Ahead
The IMD has also warned of landslide risks in hill areas of North Bengal due to continuous downpours. In the plains, waterlogging and reduced visibility could disrupt daily life and transport.
South Bengal, too, isn’t spared. With rainfall likely to continue, many districts may once again face flooding — something that’s become a regular monsoon nightmare for residents.
🛑 Public Caution Advised
People in vulnerable areas are advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid flooded roads, and keep an eye on further IMD advisories. Emergency services across districts have been alerted in anticipation of possible damage or disruption.
🙋♂️ But is this normal? Or is climate change to blame?
Monsoon spells in Bengal are nothing new, but the increasing intensity and unpredictability of these rain bursts are raising eyebrows. Every year, we’re seeing more landslides, flooding, and urban chaos. Is it just a passing phase, or are we looking at a deeper climate crisis?
Let us know what you think in the comments. Are you prepared for this long wet spell?
