NORTH BENGAL BRACES FOR CONTINUED THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY RAINFALL

KalimNews, May 17, 2026, Kalimpong: North Bengal is expected to experience intensified thunderstorm activity and heavy rainfall over the coming days as weather conditions remain highly favorable across the region.

According to the latest meteorological observations, an upper air cyclonic circulation is currently positioned over Northeast Bihar at approximately 0.9 km above mean sea level. Simultaneously, conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for the further advancement of the southwest monsoon into additional parts of the Southwest and Southeast Bay of Bengal, the remaining Andaman Islands and Andaman Sea, and sections of the Eastcentral Bay of Bengal within the next 2–3 days.

The Northern Limit of Monsoon presently extends through coordinates 5°N/75°E, 6°N/79°E, 8°N/85°E, 10.5°N/90°E, 13.5°N/95°E, and 15.5°N/98°E.

Strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, combined with a favorable wind pattern, is likely to sustain enhanced thunderstorm activity across the districts of North Bengal.

During the past 24 hours, ending at 0830 hrs IST today, very light to moderate rainfall was recorded at most places in North Bengal, with heavy to very heavy rainfall reported at isolated locations. South Bengal witnessed light to moderate rainfall at a few places. Gusty winds were also observed in isolated pockets of Uttar Dinajpur district.

Major Rainfall Recorded in West Bengal (in cm):

North Bengal registered the highest rainfall figures, with notable totals including Indong Tea Estate (Jalpaiguri) at 14 cm, Hilla Tea Estate (Jalpaiguri) at 13 cm, Zurrantee Tea Estate (Jalpaiguri) at 11 cm, Chalouni Tea Estate (Jalpaiguri) at 10 cm, and Dalgaon Tea Estate (Alipurduar) at 9 cm. Other significant rainfall amounts included Singimari and Balurghat at 8 cm each, along with several tea estates and localities across Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, South Dinajpur, and Kalimpong districts reporting between 4–8 cm of rainfall. In South Bengal, Burdwan recorded 2 cm.

North Bengal Forecast: 

May 17–23, 2026

Heavy weather conditions are expected to continue throughout the week.

On May 17, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at most places over Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar, with many other North Bengal districts also expected to receive rainfall. Very heavy rain between 7–20 cm is likely at isolated places in Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri, while Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, and Kalimpong may receive heavy rainfall ranging from 7–11 cm. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph are expected across all North Bengal districts.

From May 18–19, moderate rain and thundershowers will continue, especially over Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar, with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph likely at isolated places.

On May 20, rainfall activity is expected to increase again, with thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph across North Bengal.

Between May 21–23, widespread rain and thundershowers are forecast over most districts, with heavy rainfall likely over Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Darjeeling on selected days. Gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph, along with thunderstorms and lightning, are expected to persist.

South Bengal Forecast

South Bengal is also likely to experience intermittent rain and thunderstorms.

On May 17, light to moderate rainfall is likely across Bankura, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, and Hooghly, with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph expected in these districts.

On May 18, rainfall activity is likely over West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds.

On May 19, East Burdwan, Nadia, Hooghly, West Midnapore, and Bankura are expected to receive moderate rain with thunderstorm activity.

From May 20 to May 23, isolated light rain or thundershowers may occur across all districts of South Bengal.

Possible Weather Impacts

Lightning strikes remain a serious risk, especially in open fields.

Landslides may occur in the hilly districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

Reduced visibility due to intense rainfall could lead to traffic congestion.

Standing crops and horticulture may suffer damage.

Public Advisory

Residents are strongly advised to remain indoors or seek safe shelter during thunderstorms, lightning activity, and heavy rainfall. Travelers should exercise caution as traffic movement may be affected by poor visibility and waterlogging.

Authorities continue to monitor the evolving weather system closely.