A potential cyclone developing over the Bay of Bengal could bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds to several parts of West Bengal next week. According to the weather forecast outlined by the Alipore Meteorological Department, a low-pressure system formed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday and could intensify into a cyclonic storm by Monday morning.
The developing weather system is expected to move towards the coasts of north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha after gaining strength over the sea. Its influence could bring unsettled weather to southern West Bengal starting Wednesday, with six districts at risk of heavy rainfall.
Weather officials have urged residents, fishermen and coastal communities to remain alert as the situation develops. Although no warning has been issued for the West Bengal coast until Monday, conditions at sea could deteriorate from Tuesday.
Cyclone Formation in the Bay of Bengal: What the Weather Department Says
The latest weather forecast indicates that a low-pressure area formed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday. An associated cyclonic circulation extends up to approximately 5.8 kilometres above sea level.
The system is expected to strengthen gradually over the coming days. Forecasters predict that the low-pressure area could develop into a depression on Saturday, then intensify into a deep depression on Sunday.
If the system continues to strengthen as expected, it could develop into a cyclonic storm over the sea by Monday morning.
The weather system is then forecast to move towards the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts over the following two days. Its exact track and intensity will determine the extent of rainfall and wind activity across neighbouring regions.
Residents should remember that a developing low-pressure system does not automatically become a cyclone. Its strength, direction and potential impact depend on changing atmospheric and ocean conditions. The latest official forecasts will therefore be important as the system moves closer to the eastern coast of India.
Six Districts in South Bengal Face Heavy Rainfall Warning
Southern West Bengal could experience a spell of heavy rain from Wednesday, with six districts identified as areas of concern.
According to the forecast, these districts could receive between 7 and 11 centimetres of rainfall during a 24-hour period.
South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore are expected to experience heavy rainfall on Wednesday. West Midnapore and Jhargram could face more prolonged downpours, with heavy rain possible from Wednesday through Friday.
Purulia and Bankura are also likely to experience heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday.
The expected rainfall could disrupt normal activities, particularly in areas vulnerable to waterlogging. People living in low-lying locations should pay attention to local weather alerts and take sensible precautions before conditions worsen.
Farmers and people working outdoors may also need to adjust their plans according to the latest forecasts.
Kolkata Weather Forecast: Rain, Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds
Kolkata is expected to experience intermittent light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds between Wednesday and Friday.
Wind speeds could reach between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour, creating potentially difficult conditions for commuters and people travelling on exposed roads.
Similar weather conditions are forecast for Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia.
These areas could experience scattered showers and thunderstorms as the developing system influences the region.
Although the forecast does not indicate continuous heavy rain across all districts, sudden showers and strong gusts could disrupt daily travel. Residents should allow extra time for journeys and remain cautious during thunderstorms.
People should also avoid taking shelter under isolated trees during lightning and stay away from damaged electrical equipment or fallen power lines.
Coastal Weather Alert: Fishermen Advised to Stay Away From the Sea
Conditions along the West Bengal coast are expected to become more challenging from Tuesday.
The weather department has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea starting that day, as strong winds and rough conditions are expected.
Winds along coastal waters could reach 40 to 50 kilometres per hour, with gusts up to 60 kilometres per hour.
These conditions could make fishing trips dangerous, particularly for small boats operating close to the coast.
A red alert has been issued for the developing system and the expected deterioration in sea conditions. Coastal residents and fishing communities should follow the latest official advisories and avoid unnecessary trips into rough waters.
People already at sea should follow instructions issued by the relevant authorities and return to safety as advised.
The absence of a coastal warning before Monday should not be interpreted as a guarantee that conditions will remain safe throughout the week. Weather alerts can change as the system strengthens or shifts direction.
North Bengal Also Likely to Experience Heavy Rain
The developing weather system could affect northern West Bengal as well, bringing rain and gusty winds to several districts later in the week.
Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar are forecast to receive heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday.
Other districts in North Bengal could experience scattered showers during the same period. Gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 kilometres per hour are also possible.
Heavy rain in hilly areas can increase the risk of localised flooding, waterlogging and travel disruption. People travelling through mountainous roads should monitor local conditions, especially if rain becomes persistent.
Residents should also follow district-level weather updates, as rainfall intensity can vary considerably between neighbouring areas.
West Bengal Temperature Forecast: Will the Weather Become Cooler?
Despite the approaching weather system, temperatures across West Bengal are not expected to change significantly over the next four days.
Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 23.1°C on Saturday morning, which was 0.1°C above the seasonal average.
The city registered a maximum temperature of 32.2°C on Friday, around 0.5°C above normal.
The forecast suggests that daytime temperatures could fall by approximately 2°C to 3°C after the initial four-day period. However, minimum temperatures are not expected to decrease immediately.
This means residents may continue to experience relatively warm conditions before any noticeable cooling takes place.
Rainfall and cloud cover could bring temporary relief from the heat in some locations, but the overall temperature pattern will depend on the movement and strength of the weather system.
How Residents Can Prepare for the Expected Stormy Weather
With heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds possible across several districts, residents should keep track of official weather bulletins throughout the week.
People living in areas prone to waterlogging should check drainage conditions around their homes and avoid travelling through flooded roads. Even shallow-looking floodwater can conceal open drains or damaged road surfaces.
Residents should secure loose outdoor objects that could be blown away by strong gusts. During thunderstorms, staying indoors and keeping away from exposed electrical equipment can reduce the risk of injury.
Fishermen should follow restrictions on sea travel and wait for official clearance before returning to fishing activities.
Anyone planning long-distance travel should check local weather conditions before leaving, particularly in districts expected to experience heavy rainfall.
Cyclone Forecast: What Happens Next?
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the low-pressure system develops into a cyclonic storm and how strongly it affects eastern India.
The system is forecast to intensify over the Bay of Bengal before moving towards the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. Southern West Bengal could begin experiencing its effects as early as Wednesday, while parts of North Bengal may see heavy rain later in the week.
For now, the main concerns are heavy rainfall in six southern districts, thunderstorms and gusty winds in Kolkata and surrounding areas, and increasingly rough sea conditions.
Residents should rely on updated forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and local authorities rather than treating early projections as a final assessment of the storm’s path.
