West Bengal is bracing for another spell of monsoon rain, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in several parts of the state amid the possibility of a fresh cyclonic circulation developing over the Bay of Bengal.

However, despite the weather warning, the state government has not announced a state-wide holiday for schools on Tuesday, August 11.

Educational institutions across West Bengal are expected to function as scheduled tomorrow.

However, district administrations have been given the authority to order localised school closures if heavy rainfall causes flooding, waterlogging or other immediate safety concerns.

Parents and students have therefore been advised to check with their respective schools and local district authorities before leaving home tomorrow morning.

Heavy rain likely as fresh weather system develops

According to the Alipore Meteorological Office, rainfall activity is expected to continue across Bengal under the influence of existing cyclonic circulations.

A fresh cyclonic circulation is also likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal during the middle of this week and could subsequently intensify into a low-pressure area.

The developing system may increase rainfall across South Bengal from Wednesday onwards.

Coastal districts are expected to remain particularly vulnerable, with South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore among the areas that could receive heavier rainfall.

North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas are likely to receive heavy rain on Wednesday, while both 24 Parganas districts and West Midnapore could see heavy rainfall on Thursday. Rainfall activity may increase further on Friday.

What about schools on Tuesday?

There is currently no state-wide announcement declaring Tuesday, August 11, a school holiday because of the weather.

Schools are therefore expected to remain open unless a specific district administration or individual school announces otherwise.

District Magistrates can take local decisions depending on the severity of rainfall, flooding, waterlogging and other weather-related risks. This means school closures could vary from one district or locality to another.

Parents should therefore check their child's school WhatsApp group, official notice, website or direct communication from the school before starting their journey tomorrow morning.

Students should also avoid travelling through areas experiencing severe waterlogging or flooding and follow any instructions issued by local authorities.

Kolkata weather

Kolkata is not expected to receive heavy rain immediately, although scattered light rain is possible through the day.

The city could see an increase in rainfall intensity from Wednesday if the developing Bay of Bengal system strengthens.

Despite the rain, high humidity is expected to keep conditions uncomfortable across the city and adjoining areas.

North Bengal forecast

North Bengal is also expected to receive rain, although no significant increase in heavy rainfall is currently forecast over the next few days.

Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri may receive scattered light to moderate showers, with isolated heavy spells possible in some areas.

From Tuesday onwards, rainfall activity across North Bengal is expected to decrease significantly.

With the weather system likely to become more organised over the Bay of Bengal later this week, residents across South Bengal, particularly those in low-lying and coastal areas, are advised to keep track of the latest IMD and district administration alerts.