CYCLONE ‘ARNAB’ INTENSIFIES OVER THE BAY OF BENGAL: DARJEELING, KALIMPONG AND SIKKIM ON ALERT AS HEAVY RAIN, GUSTY WINDS AND LANDSLIDE RISKS LOOM

INSAT-3DS IMG, Thermal Infrared1count @10.83μm IST 27.10.2026 (0700-0727)

KalimNews, Oct 27, 2026, Kalimpong: While bright sunshine and clear skies currently grace the hill districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal alongside Sikkim, a notable shift is on the horizon as Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ gathers strength over the Bay of Bengal. High clouds are quietly beginning to trace the mountain skies—a subtle warning sign that worsening weather is quickly approaching.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast predicting widespread rainfall across Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on October 29 and 30, with heavy downpours expected in isolated pockets. In response, local authorities and residents throughout the hills have been strongly advised to stay vigilant against potential landslides, falling debris, waterlogging, and transport disruptions as the storm system evolves.

Residents and visitors should not let the current pleasant and sunny conditions create a false sense of security for the days ahead. This impending weather shift demands extra caution in the rugged terrains of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim, where persistent or heavy rain can easily destabilize vulnerable mountain slopes, trigger dangerous landslides, and sever vital road connections.

Furthermore, the IMD cautions that the far-reaching impacts of this meteorological disturbance will be felt across multiple areas in eastern India. Although the cyclone is projected to make landfall along the coast of Andhra Pradesh, its associated atmospheric circulation and broader weather systems are anticipated to deliver widespread rain, thunderstorms, and brisk winds to regions including West Bengal and Sikkim.

According to the meteorological bulletin, Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ was positioned over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal on the morning of October 26. The system is forecast to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and subsequently a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on the forenoon of October 28. The IMD has projected maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph, around the time of landfall.

It is important to distinguish between the cyclone's expected intensity near its landfall region and the forecast weather in the Himalayan foothills. The wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph, relate to the cyclone's anticipated strength near the Andhra Pradesh coast; they should not be interpreted as a forecast of equivalent winds in Darjeeling, Kalimpong or Sikkim. For the hills, the principal concerns identified in the forecast are heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, gusty winds and the resulting risk of landslides and disruption to transport and essential services.

The weather system is expected to intensify further over the west-central Bay of Bengal before moving northwestwards towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. Squally conditions are forecast over the Bay, with gale-force winds expected to strengthen considerably before landfall. After crossing the coast, the system is expected to weaken gradually, although associated rainfall and unsettled weather are forecast to continue affecting several parts of India.

The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the West Bengal coast during the period of squally weather. Winds of 35–45 kmph, occasionally gusting to 55 kmph, are expected along and off the Bengal coast from October 27 to 29.

DARJEELING, KALIMPONG AND SIKKIM: OCTOBER 28–31 WEATHER OUTLOOK

The forecast for the eastern Himalayan region calls for particular vigilance from October 28 onwards. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim may experience isolated to scattered rainfall on October 28, followed by fairly widespread to widespread rainfall on October 29 and 30. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places on October 29 and 30, with further rainfall possible on October 31.

For Darjeeling and Kalimpong, this forecast is significant because steep slopes, exposed road sections, hill streams and areas with a history of landslides can become hazardous during periods of intense rainfall. Even where rainfall is not continuous across an entire district, localised heavy downpours may be sufficient to cause sudden slope failures, falling debris, overflowing drains and temporary road blockages.

Sikkim is also covered by the forecast for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. Residents, travellers and people living near steep slopes, riverbanks and vulnerable road stretches should therefore monitor official weather updates and local administrative advisories closely.

On October 28, the IMD's forecast highlights heavy rainfall over several eastern and central Indian states, including Chhattisgarh, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Telangana, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall possible in some of these areas. Gangetic West Bengal is also likely to experience heavy rainfall at isolated places, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in some locations. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim may receive isolated to scattered rainfall on this date.

On October 29, the forecast becomes more significant for the Himalayan foothills. Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is expected over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, while heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places across the region. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 30–40 kmph, occasionally reaching 50 kmph, are also forecast over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. These conditions may increase the risk of falling branches, localised power disruptions and difficult driving conditions, particularly along exposed and winding mountain roads.

On October 30, heavy rainfall remains likely at isolated places over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 30–40 kmph, occasionally reaching 50 kmph, are also possible across West Bengal and Sikkim. The persistence of rainfall over consecutive days is a particular concern in mountainous terrain because the cumulative effect of rain can saturate soil and weaken slopes, even if individual spells appear manageable.

For October 31, isolated to scattered rainfall is forecast over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, with thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 30–40 kmph possible at isolated places. The supplied forecast also indicates the possibility of continued unsettled weather into November 1, when similar thunderstorm and gusty-wind conditions are listed for the region. The precise distribution and intensity of rainfall may change as the weather system evolves, making updated IMD bulletins essential.

The forecast of heavy rainfall does not mean that every location in Darjeeling, Kalimpong or Sikkim will necessarily experience the same intensity or duration of rain. Conditions may vary significantly from one valley, ridge or locality to another. Nevertheless, the possibility of isolated heavy downpours warrants caution, particularly in areas already vulnerable to landslides and road erosion.

The principal threat to the eastern Himalayan hills may not be the cyclone's strongest winds, which are forecast near the Andhra Pradesh coast, but the rainfall associated with the wider weather system. Mountain slopes are particularly sensitive to sustained or intense precipitation. As the ground becomes saturated, the risk of landslides, mudslides, falling rocks and damage to retaining walls can increase.

Road users should be especially cautious on the hill roads connecting Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim and the adjoining plains. Heavy rain can reduce visibility, make road surfaces slippery, cause water to accumulate on carriageways and bring loose soil, rocks or branches onto the road. Travellers should avoid unnecessary journeys during periods of intense rain and should never attempt to cross a flooded road, overflowing stream or unstable stretch of hillside.

People living below steep slopes, near landslide-prone areas or beside swollen streams should remain alert to warning signs such as fresh cracks in the ground, tilting trees or poles, unusual water seepage, sudden muddy flows and small rockfalls. These signs do not always precede a landslide, but they should be treated seriously. Anyone noticing such changes should move away from the immediate danger area, where it is safe to do so, and inform the relevant local authorities.

Residents should secure loose objects on rooftops, balconies and exposed terraces, trim or remove unsafe loose branches where this can be done safely, and keep drains and water outlets clear before rainfall begins. Families should also keep essential medicines, drinking water, charged mobile phones, torches, power banks and important documents readily accessible in case of a temporary power cut or evacuation.

Farmers, construction workers, roadside vendors and people working in exposed locations should exercise additional caution during thunderstorms and gusty winds. Outdoor work on unstable slopes should be suspended when conditions become dangerous. People should stay away from rivers, streams, culverts and other waterways that may rise suddenly after intense rainfall, even when the weather appears calm nearby.

Tourists and visitors travelling to Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim during the forecast period should check road conditions and official travel advisories before setting out. Those planning sightseeing trips, treks, camping or excursions near waterfalls and riverbanks should be prepared to postpone their plans if heavy rain, thunderstorms or landslide warnings are issued. It is advisable to follow instructions from the police, district administrations, disaster-management authorities and local tourism officials rather than relying solely on general weather forecasts.

Residents should also avoid spreading unverified reports about the cyclone's strength or its likely impact on the hills. The cyclone's forecast maximum wind speed near landfall must not be confused with local wind speeds in the Himalayan region. Accurate information from the IMD and official district authorities is essential for taking proportionate precautions without causing unnecessary alarm.

CYCLONE ‘ARNAB’: A POWERFUL SYSTEM, BUT ITS IMPACT WILL VARY BY REGION

The IMD's forecast indicates that ‘Arnab’ is expected to become a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. The projected maximum sustained wind speed of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph, places the system in the very severe cyclonic storm category under India's cyclone classification.

Such a system can pose a serious threat to coastal communities through destructive winds, intense rainfall, rough seas and associated hazards. However, the intensity of the cyclone near the coast does not mean that the same wind strength will extend to northern West Bengal or Sikkim. The local forecast for the hills should be assessed separately, with the emphasis on rainfall, thunderstorms, gusty winds and the resulting risk of landslides.

The IMD's wider national outlook also points to significant weather activity across several regions. Coastal Andhra Pradesh is forecast to face extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas on October 27 and 28, alongside thundersqualls and exceptionally strong winds near the cyclone's path. Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh are also at risk of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places during parts of the forecast period. Several other states, including Jharkhand, Bihar, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and the northeastern states, are expected to experience varying degrees of rainfall and thunderstorm activity.

These wider forecasts underline the extensive reach of the developing weather pattern, but the timing and severity of its effects will differ from region to region. For Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim, the most relevant dates in the supplied forecast are October 29 and 30, when widespread rainfall and isolated heavy downpours are expected across the Sub-Himalayan region.

The IMD has also identified additional weather systems influencing different parts of the country, including a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining south coastal Tamil Nadu, cyclonic circulations over Bangladesh and neighbouring areas and southwest Rajasthan, and a Western Disturbance over northern Haryana. Another Western Disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of October 27. These systems contribute to the broader national weather outlook, although their individual effects vary by location.

The forecast for southern India, central India, eastern India, the Northeast, northwest India and western India includes varying periods of rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and isolated heavy or extremely heavy rainfall. In the Northeast, Assam and Meghalaya may experience rainfall and thunderstorms over several days, while Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are also forecast to receive rainfall and may experience isolated heavy showers. Across the country, the IMD's warnings emphasise the need for region-specific preparedness rather than assuming that every area will face identical conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR RESIDENTS AND TRAVELLERS

As the weather is currently sunny and clear in the hills, this is a suitable time to make basic preparations before the forecast period begins. Residents should monitor official IMD bulletins, local administration announcements and district disaster-management advisories for changes in rainfall intensity, thunderstorm risk and road conditions.

People in landslide-prone settlements should identify a safer place to move to if authorities issue an evacuation advisory. Families should keep emergency supplies ready and ensure that elderly people, children, persons with disabilities and those requiring regular medication can receive assistance if travel or communication is disrupted.

Drivers should avoid stopping beneath unstable slopes, overhanging rocks or trees during heavy rain. They should not attempt to drive through debris flows or cross flooded roads and streams. If a road is blocked by a landslide, motorists should maintain a safe distance from the debris and follow directions from traffic police and local authorities rather than attempting to clear the obstruction themselves.

Residents should stay indoors during thunderstorms whenever possible and keep away from exposed rooftops, isolated trees and open elevated areas during lightning activity. Electrical appliances should be handled cautiously during storms, and people should avoid touching fallen power lines or entering areas where electrical equipment has been affected by flooding.

Local communities should report blocked drains, damaged retaining walls, fresh slope cracks, falling rocks and sudden changes in stream levels to the appropriate authorities. Community preparedness and timely reporting can help officials identify emerging risks and respond more effectively.

Most importantly, residents should not wait for rainfall to begin before taking warnings seriously. In the hills, localised heavy rain can create dangerous conditions quickly, and the absence of rain in one locality does not guarantee that nearby slopes or upstream catchments are safe.

The present sunshine over Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim offers no guarantee that the weather will remain clear through the end of October. The IMD's forecast points to a change in conditions, with widespread rainfall expected on October 29 and 30 and heavy rain possible at isolated places. The potential for landslides and travel disruptions makes advance preparation particularly important.

Residents, tourists, drivers, traders and outdoor workers are advised to remain alert, avoid unnecessary risks and follow official instructions. The situation should be approached with seriousness but without panic: the strongest winds forecast for Cyclone ‘Arnab’ relate to its expected landfall region on the Andhra Pradesh coast, while the principal concerns for the eastern Himalayan hills are rainfall-related hazards.

Weather forecasts can be updated as a cyclone changes track or intensity. Everyone in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim should therefore continue checking the latest IMD warnings and local administrative advisories throughout the forecast period.

Stay alert, stay prepared and stay safe. Please share verified weather warnings and official safety instructions with family members, neighbours and travellers so that everyone can make informed decisions.