The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange warning for Kolkata and surrounding districts, and a red alert for North Bengal. Heavy moisture from the Bay of Bengal and an active monsoon trough are set to bring severe rain and flooding over the next 48 hours.

Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)

  • Orange alert for Kolkata and adjacent districts
  • Red alert for Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar in North Bengal
  • Potential for heavy rain, floods and landslides in the next 48 hours

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has upgraded its warnings, releasing a critical red alert for the sub‑Himalayan part of West Bengal due to an active monsoon trough and an upper‑air cyclonic circulation pulling massive moisture from the Bay of Bengal. This system is blanket‑covering the state with widespread light‑to‑moderate rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds.

Situation in Kolkata

Kolkata, together with North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Nadia and Hooghly districts, is under an immediate orange warning. Over the next 24 hours, convective clouds are expected to generate moderate thunderstorms, frequent lightning and rain bouts, with wind gusts of 30–40 km/h. Temperatures will hover around a high of 31 °C and a low of 26 °C, while humidity may peak at 98 %, creating a sweltering atmosphere that could lead to temporary water‑logging and traffic snarls.

Warnings for Southern and Central Districts

Bankura and Paschim Bardhaman are under a yellow warning, experiencing light‑to‑moderate thunderstorms and 30–40 km/h gusts. By July 15‑16, conditions are forecast to intensify, with heavy downpours and wind speeds reaching 40–50 km/h along the coast and 30–40 km/h across interior districts.

Red Alert in the Northern Terrain

Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar have been placed under an immediate red alert as forecasts predict more than 20 cm of rain on July 13. Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Cooch Behar also face orange‑to‑red alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging between 7–20 cm, while Dinajpur districts may receive up to 11 cm.

Potential Impacts and Public Safety Advice

The IMD warns of landslides in hilly districts such as Darjeeling and Kalimpong, rapid rises in river levels of the Teesta, Torsa, Jaldhaka and Raidak, and reduced visibility leading to major traffic congestion. Residents are urged to stay indoors during lightning, avoid standing near electric poles or trees, and keep away from open fields and water bodies. Fishermen are explicitly advised against venturing into the sea off the West Bengal coast from July 15‑17, as gusts may reach 55 km/h.