IMD rain alert for West Bengal: Heavy to very heavy rain likely in these districts on July 28

Residents across large parts of West Bengal should prepare for another wet day on Tuesday, July 28, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over several districts as the Bay of Bengal weather system continues to influence conditions over the state.

Although the deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to move inland after crossing the West Bengal–Odisha coast, the IMD said widespread rainfall is likely to persist across South Bengal through the day. Moisture associated with the system is expected to keep skies overcast and trigger intermittent spells of rain in many areas.

According to the latest forecast, Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram are likely to witness very heavy rainfall, while South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur are expected to receive heavy showers through July 28.

In North Bengal, isolated heavy rainfall may continue over the sub-Himalayan districts, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar, over the next few days.

Kolkata weather forecast

For Kolkata, the IMD has predicted a generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of moderate rain during the day. While widespread flooding is not forecast for the city, commuters may experience waterlogging in low-lying areas and traffic disruptions during periods of intense rainfall.

Fishermen advised to stay ashore

The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the West Bengal coast and the northwest Bay of Bengal until July 29.

Sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough, with squally winds reaching 55–65 kmph and gusts touching 75 kmph, making fishing operations unsafe.

Rainfall recorded

The latest observations show Sagar Island recorded the highest rainfall in the state, receiving 52 mm during the 24 hours ending Monday morning.

Other locations reporting notable rainfall include:

Kanthi: 34 mm

Haldia: 29 mm

Canning: 21 mm

These rainfall totals reflect the growing impact of the Bay of Bengal system on coastal districts.

Why rain will continue after the depression moves inland

Meteorologists say that even after a depression crosses the coast, it continues to carry abundant moisture inland. This often results in widespread rain over adjoining districts for another one to two days before the system gradually weakens.

As a result, several parts of South Bengal are likely to remain under the influence of rain-bearing clouds through Tuesday, while northern districts could continue to receive isolated heavy showers later this week.

Are schools closed on July 28?

As of Monday evening, the West Bengal government has not announced any statewide holiday for schools or educational institutions due to the rain. Schools are expected to function as usual unless district authorities or individual institutions issue separate advisories based on local weather conditions.

Parents and students are advised to check for updates from their respective schools and monitor official notifications from the district administration in case weather conditions worsen.

With PTI inputs