Cyclone Montha to bring heavy rain across Bengal from Tuesday: IMD
The Statesman | 29 October 2025According to a special bulletin issued by the Met office, the weather system over the central Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh late on Tuesday night. Following landfall, it is expected to move north-northeastwards, bringing moisture-laden winds and heavy rain to large parts of eastern India, including West Bengal. The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) in the north Bengal districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar, while North and South Dinajpur and Malda are likely to receive heavy downpours during the same period.
In south Bengal, light to moderate rain is likely over most places, with heavy rainfall expected in North and South 24-Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Purba and Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum and Murshidabad districts between Tuesday and Friday.
The Met department has cautioned fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the West Bengal coast till Thursday, as the sea is likely to be rough to very rough under the influence of the approaching cyclone. Coastal areas may also experience gusty winds and intermittent rain as the system moves closer to the shore.
The IMD further warned of the risk of landslides in the hilly terrain of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts due to continuous rainfall, and waterlogging in low-lying areas in parts of south Bengal. Disaster management authorities have been alerted to stay on standby, while district administrations have been asked to keep relief and rescue teams ready in vulnerable areas. The state government is closely monitoring the situation as the cyclone advances toward the east coast. Officials said the intensity and distribution of rainfall will depend on the cyclone’s trajectory after landfall, but widespread wet weather is expected to persist across the state through the week.
