Twin cyclones to bring week-long heavy rain, flood alerts across North and South Bengal

A week-long alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued across West Bengal as two cyclonic circulation systems affect weather patterns over the region. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore, one system is currently active over northeastern Assam, while the second is located over central Bangladesh. Their combined influence is expected to cause sustained rainfall and thunderstorms across both North and South Bengal.

On Thursday, heavy rainfall is expected in South Bengal districts including Purba Bardhaman, Bankura, Hooghly, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas. Forecasts indicate the possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong surface winds blowing at speeds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour. These weather conditions may lead to temporary disruptions and waterlogging in affected areas.

North Bengal is likely to witness more intense impact. A warning for very heavy rainfall has been issued for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. Heavy rainfall is also likely in Cooch Behar. Districts such as Malda, North Dinajpur, and South Dinajpur are expected to experience rain along with winds reaching up to 40 km/h. The rainfall in these regions is expected to continue over the next few days, raising concerns over rising river levels and localised flooding.

On Friday, heavy rainfall is forecast in Purulia, Bankura, East and West Medinipur, East and West Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad. The rainfall will be accompanied by gusty winds in several areas. Over the weekend, rainfall will persist in North Bengal, with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar under continued alert for heavy precipitation on both Saturday and Sunday.

From Saturday to Tuesday, most districts in South Bengal are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by lightning in some areas. During this period, a slight increase in day temperatures is likely, along with higher humidity levels. While rainfall may temporarily bring relief from heat, the presence of high moisture in the air is expected to maintain discomfort levels. Weather agencies continue to monitor developments closely across all affected regions.