Kolkata braces for monsoon showers as North Bengal faces heavy rain alert

A fresh monsoon system is expected to impact Bengal from Saturday, bringing significant weather changes across the state. The India Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall warning for several districts in North Bengal, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar. The alert remains in effect till Tuesday, with multiple rounds of heavy rain forecasted. Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri are likely to witness very heavy rainfall on Sunday, while Cooch Behar and North Dinajpur may receive intense spells.

In South Bengal, the weather is expected to remain relatively calm. Light to moderate rainfall is likely in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, East and West Midnapore, Nadia, and both 24 Parganas districts beginning Saturday afternoon. Gusty winds with speeds between 30 to 40 kilometres per hour are expected to accompany rain in some areas. On Sunday, similar conditions may extend to East and West Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad.

Kolkata experienced uncomfortable weather on Saturday, with humidity peaking at 100 percent in the afternoon. Morning winds carried moisture into the city, leading to a sharp rise in relative humidity from the early hours. The city and surrounding districts may receive isolated to moderate showers by Saturday evening, accompanied by thunderstorms in some pockets.

By Monday, rainfall intensity in South Bengal is forecast to weaken. Only isolated light to moderate showers are expected across districts such as Kolkata, Howrah, and Nadia. No heavy rain warnings have been issued for this region for July 21. Weather models indicate that cloud cover and occasional light rain may persist through Wednesday, offering marginal relief from heat and humidity.

In North Bengal, rainfall activity is expected to remain strong through early next week. On Monday, heavy rain may occur in Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar, while Tuesday could bring widespread light to moderate rain with thunderstorms. From Wednesday onward, another surge in rainfall is likely, especially across hill districts, continuing the region’s active monsoon phase.