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Kolkata braces for rain as IMD warns of thunderstorms, heavy downpour alert in North Bengal

Kolkata may see thunderstorms and rain today as IMD issues alerts across Bengal, while North Bengal remains on high alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall.

By Pritha Chakraborty

Jun 21, 2026 14:49 IST

After Friday's showers brought much-needed relief from the heat across Kolkata and other parts of South Bengal, dry conditions returned over the past couple of days. However, the weather may take a turn again on Sunday.

The sky remained overcast across Kolkata since the morning, and the Alipore Meteorological Department has forecast the possibility of thunderstorms and rainfall in the city later in the day.

According to the weather office, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 27.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday, which is 0.9 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature is expected to touch 34 degrees Celsius, around 1 degree above the seasonal average.

Also Read | Kolkata temperature drops nearly 5C as monsoon rain brings relief; heavy rain alert in Bengal

Orange alert for four South Bengal districts

Several districts of South Bengal are likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by rain on Sunday.


IMD issues weather alert across several Bengal districts /ANI


The India Meteorological Department (IMD)has issued an orange alert for Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum and Murshidabad. These districts may experience gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph along with rain.

In the remaining districts of South Bengal, scattered spells of rain and thunderstorms are expected. Wind speeds in these areas could range between 30 and 40 kmph.

Heavy rain warning for North Bengal

North Bengal continues to remain under the influence of an active rain system, prompting weather warnings across multiple districts.

A red alert has been issued for Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar due to the likelihood of heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Cooch Behar are under an orange alert for very heavy rain.


Heavy rainfall warning remains in force for North Bengal /ANI


Malda, Uttar Dinajpur and Dakshin Dinajpur are also likely to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

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Rain spell expected to continue

The weather department has indicated that rainfall activity is expected to persist across North Bengal for the time being. Residents in the affected districts have been advised to remain cautious, particularly in areas vulnerable to heavy downpours and strong winds.

FAQs:

Will it rain in Kolkata today?

Yes, the IMD has forecast thunderstorms and rain in Kolkata, with cloudy skies and gusty winds likely during the day.

Which districts are under heavy rain alert in West Bengal?

Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar are under a red alert, while Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Cooch Behar remain under an orange alert for heavy rainfall.

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