Archive · 21 Sep 2026
West Bengal Braces for Heavy Rain as Bay Depression Strengthens
A large weather system is forming over the Bay of Bengal.
It may become a strong depression as it moves toward the coasts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
This system could bring heavy rain to many parts of South Bengal from Tuesday through Friday.
Some coastal districts may continue receiving heavy rain until Saturday.
Strong winds and thunderstorms are also expected.
The sea may become dangerous, so fishermen have been told to return to shore and stay away from the sea.
Rain in North Bengal may increase from Wednesday, with heavy rain expected in several districts later in the week.
The reports disagree about whether Kolkata will receive heavy rain.
Kolkata has already experienced rain, but one forecast says heavier rain is not currently likely there.
A weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a deep depression between Monday and Tuesday, according to differing forecasts.
Heavy rain is expected across South Bengal from Tuesday through Friday, with some coastal districts affected through Saturday.
Thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30–50 km/h are forecast, while winds near the central Bay could reach 70 km/h.
Fishermen have been advised to return by Monday and avoid the sea from Monday through Friday.
Rain is expected to increase in North Bengal, while forecasts differ over the likelihood of heavy rain in Kolkata.
- Who
- Residents and fishermen in West Bengal are affected; the India Meteorological Department and Regional Meteorological Centre issued forecasts and advisories.
- What
- A developing Bay of Bengal weather system is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and rough seas.
- When
- Rain is expected to increase from Tuesday, mainly continuing through Friday; some districts may be affected through Saturday.
- Where
- The system is over the Bay of Bengal and is forecast to move toward Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, affecting South and North Bengal.
- Why
- A cyclonic circulation over the North Andaman Sea is helping form and strengthen the low-pressure system.
Higher Rain Risk
More Limited Kolkata Risk
Kolkata rainfall outlook
Higher Rain Risk
One report says heavy rain is likely across South Bengal, including Kolkata, from Tuesday onward, with rainfall increasing through Friday.
More Limited Kolkata Risk
Another report says heavy rain is not currently expected in Kolkata, although rain may increase from Tuesday and become more likely from Wednesday to Friday.
Timing of system intensification
Higher Rain Risk
Some forecasts say the system could become a depression by Monday and a deep depression by Tuesday.
More Limited Kolkata Risk
Another report says a depression had already formed on Sunday and could intensify into a deep depression on Monday.
Extent of heavy rainfall
Higher Rain Risk
The broader forecast describes heavy rain across most South Bengal districts from Wednesday through Friday.
More Limited Kolkata Risk
The more detailed district forecast identifies specific areas under yellow or orange alerts, with lighter rain elsewhere.
- System development
- Forecasts variously describe the system as becoming a depression by Sunday or Monday and a deep depression by Monday or Tuesday.
- Expected track
- The system is expected to move west or west-northwest across the Bay of Bengal toward the coasts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh by Wednesday morning.
- South Bengal rainfall
- Heavy rain is forecast from Tuesday in North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and East Midnapore, spreading to other districts from Wednesday.
- Wind conditions
- Winds may reach 45–55 km/h on Monday, 50–60 km/h on Tuesday, and up to 70 km/h near the central Bay of Bengal.
- Fishermen advisory
- Fishermen have been advised not to enter the sea from Monday through Friday and to return to the coast by Monday if already at sea.
- North Bengal outlook
- Rain is expected to increase from Wednesday; heavy rain is forecast in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri from Thursday and several other districts from Friday.
- Kolkata conditions
- Kolkata recorded rain and temperatures near or below normal, but the reports differ on whether heavy rain is expected in the city.
