IMD Issues Red Alert for North Bengal: Extremely Heavy Rainfall Forecast from August 2–4

Cyclonic circulation and monsoon trough to intensify rainfall activity in North Bengal; public advised to prepare for flooding, landslides, and weather-related disruptions

KalimNews, Aug 1, 2025 :  The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast intense and widespread rainfall across North Bengal over the next several days, with a red alert issued for districts likely to experience extremely heavy downpours between August 2 and 4, 2025. According to the latest IMD bulletin, this spell of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is the result of a deepening monsoon trough and an upper air cyclonic circulation over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.

Under the influence of these weather systems, districts such as Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar are expected to receive extremely heavy rain (more than 20 cm in 24 hours), while Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Cooch Behar may see heavy to very heavy rainfall (7–20 cm) during this three-day window. From August 5–7, rainfall is expected to moderate but remain steady, with isolated heavy showers possible.  

Districts likely to be impacted include Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Cooch Behar. The alert specifically warns of widespread light to moderate rainfall, isolated heavy to very heavy rain, and extremely heavy rainfall at one or two locations, especially in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar.

The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph in various parts of North Bengal during the same period.

The IMD reported that Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district recorded the highest rainfall in the state over the past 24 hours as of 8:30 a.m. on August 1, registering 90 mm. In South Bengal, Purulia recorded 60 mm during the same period.

A generally cloudy sky with intermittent rainfall is expected in Kolkata through Saturday morning. The weather department attributes the intensification in rainfall to the upper air cyclonic circulation extending up to 9.4 km above mean sea level and tilting southwestward with height, supported by a monsoon trough that currently stretches from Sri Ganganagar to the northeast Bay of Bengal, passing through several northern and eastern Indian cities.

Forecast for North Bengal (August 2–7):

• August 2–4:

  • Extremely heavy rainfall in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar.

  • Heavy to very heavy rainfall in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Cooch Behar.

  • Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph likely across the region.

• August 5–7:

  • Light to moderate showers at most places.

  • Isolated heavy rainfall in hilly and foothill areas.

Potential Impacts in North Bengal:

• Risk of landslides in hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

• Waterlogging and localised flooding in urban and low-lying areas.

• Disruption to road and rail traffic, particularly on kutcha roads.

• Rising water levels in major rivers like Teesta, Torsha, Jaldhaka, and Raidak.

• Tourism activity may be disrupted; visitors are advised to exercise caution.

The IMD has urged residents, especially in vulnerable regions, to avoid travel through landslide-prone zones, inundated roads, and to follow all local advisories. Tourists and trekkers visiting the Himalayan belt are specifically advised to postpone travel or remain indoors during periods of intense rainfall.

Forecast for South Bengal (August 2–7):

• Predominantly light to moderate rainfall expected across most districts.

• Thunderstorms with lightning and occasional gusty winds may occur intermittently.

• On August 7, heavy rainfall (7–20 cm) is likely over Murshidabad, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas.

• IMD Public Safety Advisories:

  • Avoid travel in hilly terrain and flood-prone zones during heavy rainfall periods.

  • Tourists in North Bengal’s Himalayan belt are advised to postpone visits or remain indoors.

  • Residents are urged to stay indoors during thunderstorms and not seek shelter under trees or near electric poles.

  • Keep emergency kits ready and maintain contact with local disaster management authorities.

  • Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or overflowing rivers.

All-India Outlook Highlights (August 2–7):

• Extremely heavy rainfall expected in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Meghalaya (Aug 2–3), Arunachal Pradesh and Bihar (Aug 3).

• Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Central India.

• Subdued rainfall forecast over central and north peninsular India.

• Fishermen are advised to avoid the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal in specified zones between August 1–6 due to rough sea conditions and strong surface winds (40–50 kmph).

With the monsoon trough running north of its usual position and multiple weather systems developing simultaneously, the IMD continues to monitor conditions closely. Authorities are urged to remain on high alert, activate emergency response mechanisms, and disseminate warnings across vulnerable regions in North Bengal and adjoining states.