Red Warning: Thunderstorms Forecast Across Bengal as Low-Pressure System Persists: Widespread Alerts Issued for North and South Bengal

KalimNews, October 5, 2025, Kalimpong: The Regional Meteorological Centre, Eastern Region, Alipore, Kolkata, has issued an extensive weather advisory for both North and South Bengal in light of a persistent and well-marked low-pressure system hovering over West Jharkhand and adjoining parts of South Bihar, Southeast Uttar Pradesh, and North Chhattisgarh. As of 0830 hours IST on October 4, 2025, the system remains largely stationary but is expected to move north-northeastwards towards Bihar and gradually weaken into a low-pressure area within the next 12 hours. The associated cyclonic circulation currently extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.

In response to this system, enhanced rainfall activity has been forecasted across both North and South Bengal. The meteorological department has issued specific forecasts, warnings, and impact advisories valid through October 10, 2025, urging residents and authorities to take precautionary measures, particularly during the ongoing festive season.

Weather Forecast for North Bengal (Oct 4–10, 2025):

• October 4: Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected across all districts. Heavy to very heavy rain (7–20 cm) is likely in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar; similar intensity rain at isolated spots in Coochbehar and North Dinajpur; and heavy rain (7–11 cm) in Malda and South Dinajpur. Thunderstorms with gusty winds (40–50 km/h) and lightning are likely in isolated areas throughout the region.

• October 5: Light to moderate rain at most places; heavy to very heavy rain (7–20 cm) expected in Alipurduar and at one or two locations in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Coochbehar. North and South Dinajpur may also receive heavy showers (7–11 cm). Thunderstorms with winds (30–40 km/h) and lightning likely at isolated locations.

• October 6: Continued rain activity with light to moderate rain at many places. Isolated heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) likely in Alipurduar.

• October 7–8: Light to moderate rain or thundershowers likely at a few locations across the region.

• October 9–10: Light rain or thundershowers expected at one or two locations.

Possible Impacts in North Bengal:

1. Risk of lightning, especially in open fields.

2. Waterlogging and flash floods in low-lying areas and underpasses.

3. Reduced visibility and traffic congestion during intense rainfall.

4. Possibility of landslides in hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

5. Potential damage to kutcha roads and vulnerable structures.

6. Adverse effects on standing crops in agricultural fields.

7. Damage to Puja pandals due to heavy rain and winds.

8. Rising water levels in rivers like Teesta, Torsa, Raidak, and Jaldhaka.

Weather Forecast for South Bengal (Oct 4–10, 2025):

• October 4: Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely across all districts. Heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) expected at one or two places in Birbhum and Murshidabad. Thunderstorms with gusty winds (40–50 km/h) and lightning likely in isolated areas.

• October 5: Rainfall activity to continue, with heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) at isolated places in Murshidabad and Nadia. Thunderstorms with gusty winds (30–40 km/h) and lightning expected.

• October 6: Light to moderate rain likely at many places. Thunderstorms with gusty winds (30–40 km/h) and lightning likely at one or two places in Murshidabad, Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas, and East Midnapore.

• October 7: Showers likely at a few places across the region. Thunderstorms with similar wind speeds and lightning expected in East & West Midnapore, and both 24 Parganas districts.

• October 8–10: Light to moderate rain or thundershower likely at a few places across all districts.

Possible Impacts in South Bengal:

1. Increased risk of lightning strikes, particularly in open areas.

2. Temporary waterlogging in low-lying and underpass areas; traffic congestion likely.

3. Some damage expected to standing crops.

4. Potential damage to Puja pandals due to heavy rain and gusty winds.

Advisory and Actionable Precautions for South Bengal:

• Avoid taking shelter under trees or electric poles.

• Stay away from water bodies during thunderstorms.

• Seek shelter in safe places during intense spells of rain.

• Reinforce Puja pandals to withstand wind and rain impact.

Fishermen and Coastal Warning:

The meteorological department has also issued a wind and sea condition alert. Squally winds with speeds reaching 35–45 km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h, are likely to prevail over the North Bay of Bengal and along and off the West Bengal coast during the next 24 hours. The sea condition is expected to remain rough during this period.

• Fishermen are strongly advised not to venture into the sea over the North Bay of Bengal and along the West Bengal coast during this time.

• At Kolkata and Haldia ports, Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 has been advised to remain hoisted until further notice.

With widespread rainfall expected across both North and South Bengal, local administrations have been urged to stay vigilant and ensure timely action in vulnerable regions. The public is advised to monitor weather updates closely and adhere to safety advisories issued by local authorities.