Rain alerts across Bengal after fresh low pressure system
The Statesman | 15 July 2025
Just after the previous system weakened, a fresh low-pressure area formed off the southern Bengal coast on Sunday evening, triggered a new spell of heavy rainfall across several districts in West Bengal, according to the Alipore Meteorological Department.
Under the influence of the new weather system, widespread rainfall is expected to continue over the next few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy to very heavy rainfall warnings for several districts in both south and north Bengal. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are also likely, especially along the coastal belt and northern districts. The system is associated with a cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above sea level over the North Bay of Bengal and adjacent Odisha and West Bengal coasts.
Wind speeds may range between 35-45 km/h, with gusts up to 55 km/h, leading to rough sea conditions. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for the next 24 hours. In South Bengal, scattered showers are currently affecting all districts. Kolkata has remained overcast since morning, with intermittent light to moderate rain. The IMD has forecast thunderstorms and sporadic rain in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, and North 24-Parganas through Monday and Tuesday. Heavy rainfall (7 to 11 cm) is likely in South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, and East Burdwan on Monday.
West Midnapore is expected to receive very heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm). On Tuesday, heavy rain is expected in East and West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia. Rain is likely to persist in these districts till Wednesday, after which conditions may improve. In north Bengal, the IMD has issued a heavy rain warning for Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri on Monday and Tuesday and for Kalimpong on Monday. On Tuesday, heavy rainfall is also expected in North Dinajpur and Malda. A brief respite may follow midweek, but another round of heavy rain is likely over the weekend in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 26.1°C on Monday, 0.8 degrees below normal, while Sunday’s maximum stood at 32.3°C, 0.5 degrees below the seasonal average.