The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in North Bengal’s sub-Himalayan districts until Monday morning, driven by a favorable wind pattern and moisture influx from the Bay of Bengal. Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar are expected to receive intense rainfall (7-20 cm) through Sunday, while Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Cooch Behar are likely to experience heavy downpours (7-11 cm) thereafter until Monday. The IMD warns of potential inundation in low-lying areas and minor landslides in hilly regions, urging residents to avoid flood-prone zones.

South Bengal, including Kolkata, is set for light to moderate showers with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated spots until September 5. Kolkata recorded 38 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, with a cloudy sky and occasional moderate rain expected. Significant rainfall has already hit North Bengal, with Buxaduar (16 cm), Nagrakata (15 cm), Chengmari/Diana (14 cm), Banarhat (12 cm), and Maynaguri College (11 cm) reporting high precipitation. On Friday, Jalpaiguri recorded 107 mm, the state’s highest, followed by Alipurduar at 43 mm.

The active southwest monsoon, coupled with a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal, is fueling the wet spell, though it won’t directly impact West Bengal. Fishermen are advised to avoid deep-sea ventures in the north and west-central Bay of Bengal until Monday due to gusty winds. The IMD’s alert follows recent waterlogging in Jalpaiguri town and Cooch Behar’s Mathabhanga, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directing officials to monitor and assist affected areas.

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