Monsoon in North Bengal within 48 hours, rain fury and 80 kmph winds likely: IMD

Kolkata: After weeks of sweltering heat and uncomfortable humidity, residents of West Bengal may finally get a much-needed respite.

The latest forecast from the Alipore Meteorological Department indicates that the southwest monsoon is likely to enter North Bengal within the next 48 hours.

While the arrival of monsoon promises cooler temperatures and widespread rainfall, the weather department has also warned of heavy to very heavy rain and thunderstorms across several districts in the coming days.

The southwest monsoon has already covered Kerala and expanded into parts of the Northeast, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Tripura.

Meteorologists say favourable atmospheric conditions have developed over eastern India due to a cyclonic circulation positioned over Uttar Pradesh, accelerating the monsoon’s advance toward Bengal.

Monsoon advance gathers momentum across eastern India

According to weather officials, the monsoon is expected to enter North Bengal, Sikkim and adjoining parts of Odisha within the next two days.

The development comes after several days of pre-monsoon showers that have already brought down temperatures across many parts of the state.

Weather experts believe that the arrival of monsoon currents will make conditions significantly more pleasant over the coming week.

The persistent humidity that has troubled residents across Bengal is also expected to reduce gradually as cloud cover and rainfall activity increase.

The weather office has pointed out that atmospheric moisture levels have risen considerably, creating favourable conditions for sustained rainfall.

As a result, both North and South Bengal are likely to witness frequent rain spells over the next several days, although the nature and intensity of rainfall will vary across regions.

North Bengal on alert for very heavy rainfall

While the monsoon's arrival is expected to bring relief from the heat, it could also trigger severe weather conditions in North Bengal.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that almost all northern districts may experience thunderstorms accompanied by heavy to very heavy rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph throughout the week.

Particular concern has been expressed for Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar, where alerts for extremely heavy rainfall have been issued.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as continuous downpours could lead to waterlogging, localised flooding and disruptions in low-lying areas.

Darjeeling and Kalimpong are also expected to receive intense rainfall from Wednesday onward. In the hill districts, prolonged rain may increase the risk of landslides, road blockages and travel disruptions.

The ongoing pre-monsoon activity in the Himalayan foothills has already intensified weather conditions in the region, and the arrival of monsoon currents is likely to further strengthen rainfall activity.

Residents and tourists visiting the hills have been advised to remain cautious and follow local weather advisories.

Kalbaisakhi storms to bring relief to South Bengal

Although the monsoon is not expected to enter South Bengal immediately, the region is set to receive substantial relief from soaring temperatures through repeated Kalbaisakhi thunderstorms.

The weather department has forecast light to moderate rainfall across large parts of South Bengal over the next few days.

Strong winds of 30 to 40 kmph are likely during thunderstorms, while isolated areas could witness gusts reaching 50 to 60 kmph.

Districts including Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas are expected to experience thundercloud development capable of producing intense rain and lightning.

Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman, in particular, may witness Kalbaisakhi storms with wind speeds touching 60 kmph.

In a separate nowcast warning, the weather office has also indicated the possibility of heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur.

Wind speeds in some areas could reach 70 to 80 kmph during severe thunderstorm activity.

The IMD has urged residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees, and stay away from open fields and water bodies during lightning activity.

Authorities have advised people to monitor official weather updates and take necessary precautions as Bengal prepares for the arrival of the monsoon season.