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Bengal sees weather split: South sweats under rising heat while North braces for heavy rain

Bengal sees a sharp weather divide as South reels under rising heat and humidity, while North braces for heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds, driven by cyclonic activity.

By Pritha Chakraborty

Apr 19, 2026 11:54 IST

Weather conditions across West Bengal remain sharply divided, with South Bengal reeling under humid heat while several districts in the north are witnessing heavy rainfall. According to the weather department, a cyclonic circulation over northeast Bangladesh and adjoining Assam is pulling in significant moisture into the region. This has led to frequent and sudden changes in weather patterns across the state.

On Sunday, districts such as Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia and both Bardhaman regions are likely to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Gusty winds with speeds of 30 to 40 kmph may also occur in these areas.

Kolkata to remain hot and humid

Kolkata woke up to a partly cloudy sky on Sunday, but the intensity of sunlight is expected to increase as the day progresses. The likelihood of rainfall in the city remains minimal for now. However, high humidity levels are likely to add to discomfort for residents.

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The minimum temperature in Kolkata stands at 28.0 degrees Celsius, which is 1.9 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature is recorded at 34.2 degrees Celsius, around 1.4 degrees below normal. The weather office has indicated that temperatures in the city may rise by another 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next few days.

South Bengal to see fluctuating rain activity

While some districts in South Bengal may receive rain on Sunday, the intensity is expected to reduce from Monday. Light and scattered showers may still occur in areas such as Jhargram, Medinipur and Nadia. Dry conditions are likely to prevail on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Rain activity may pick up again from Thursday. Despite this, relief from discomfort is unlikely as temperatures are expected to rise. Heat warnings have been issued for districts including Purulia, Bankura and Birbhum.

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Heavy rainfall likely in North Bengal

North Bengal districts are set to experience heavy rainfall on Sunday, with thunderstorms forecast in several areas, including Darjeeling. Wind speeds may reach up to 50 kmph in some regions.

Rain is expected to continue in the hilly areas until Monday. Although there may be a slight reduction in rainfall from Tuesday, another spell of severe weather is likely to affect North Bengal by Thursday.

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