🔔 Stay Updated!

Get instant alerts on breaking news, top stories, and updates from News EiSamay.

North Bengal on red alert: IMD warns of up to 200 mm rain; will South Bengal get showers?

North Bengal faces a Red Alert for extremely heavy rain as a Bay of Bengal system strengthens, while South Bengal continues to battle heat and humidity.

By Pritha Chakraborty

Jun 27, 2026 12:13 IST

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for parts of North Bengal, warning of extremely heavy rainfall over the next few days. While districts in the northern region are likely to witness heavy rain, South Bengal is expected to experience only scattered showers for now.

A cyclonic circulation has developed over the northeast and east-central Bay of Bengal. According to meteorologists, the system is gaining strength and could turn into this season's first low-pressure area by July 2 or July 3. If it intensifies as expected, rainfall is likely to increase across the Gangetic plains and coastal districts of South Bengal, along with several parts of Bangladesh.

Red alert for Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri

The weather office has warned of very heavy rainfall in Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri, where precipitation could reach 200 mm. The continuous spell of rain has also raised concerns over landslides, rising river levels and waterlogging in low-lying areas across the hilly and adjoining regions from Darjeeling to Cooch Behar.

Also Read | Kolkata Metro services hit after suicide attempt at Kalighat station


Heavy rain to batter North Bengal; here's the latest South Bengal weather forecast. /ANI

An Orange Alert has been issued for Uttar Dinajpur due to the possibility of heavy rain. Meanwhile, Dakshin Dinajpur and Malda are likely to receive thunderstorms accompanied by rain.

South Bengal to remain hot and humid for now

Rainfall activity is expected to stay limited across South Bengal over the weekend. Although the sky is likely to remain partly to mostly cloudy on Saturday and Sunday, only isolated districts are expected to receive rain.

In the absence of widespread showers, residents may continue to experience uncomfortable weather conditions. Humidity levels are expected to remain close to 100 per cent, making the weather feel much hotter. In some places, the feels-like temperature may approach 50 degrees Celsius.

Also Read | West Bengal declares July 1 half-day, July 6 full-day holiday; government issues official notification

Kolkata weather update today

Kolkata is expected to begin Saturday with bright sunshine. Cloud cover may increase during the afternoon, but there is no forecast of heavy rain at present.


Bay of Bengal system may boost rainfall. /ANI


The city is likely to remain hot and humid through the day. Some relief may arrive from Sunday evening. While the chances of scattered showers are expected to improve from Monday, rainfall over Kolkata is likely to remain lower than that in several other districts of South Bengal.

FAQs:

Which districts are under the IMD Red Alert for heavy rain in North Bengal?

IMD has issued a Red Alert for Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri, where rainfall may reach up to 200 mm.

When is South Bengal likely to receive more rainfall?

Rainfall is expected to increase from July 2 or 3 if the Bay of Bengal cyclonic circulation develops into a low-pressure area.

Articles you may like: