1. Introduction: Bengal Braces for Heavy Rainfall
IMD Warns of Widespread as monsoon activity intensifies over eastern India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast predicting widespread rainfall across West Bengal due to the formation of a low-pressure area over the north Bay of Bengal. The system, which is likely to intensify further, IMD Warns of Widespread is expected to trigger moderate to heavy downpours in several districts of Bengal in the coming days.
Alongside this, the IMD has also warned of rough sea conditions, especially along the West Bengal-Odisha coast and over the north Bay of Bengal, advising fishermen not to venture into the sea until at least Thursday.
This weather alert brings both challenges and cautious hope for a region that depends heavily on the monsoon for agriculture, IMD Warns of Widespread but which is also vulnerable to flooding and storm-related disruptions.
2. Formation of the Low-Pressure System
2.1 Meteorological Background
According to IMD’s latest bulletin, a low-pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of West Bengal and Odisha. This system is the result of cyclonic circulation at lower tropospheric levels, which leads to condensation of moist air, IMD Warns of Widespread resulting in cloud development and heavy rainfall.
2.2 Expected Intensification
The system is likely to intensify into a well-marked low pressure and move northwestwards, affecting large swathes of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and parts of northeastern India. The atmospheric conditions are conducive for this system to become more organized over the next 24–48 hours.
3. IMD Rainfall Forecast for West Bengal
3.1 Districts Likely to Be Affected
The IMD has categorized rainfall into light, moderate, and heavy over the state and shared a district-wise forecast:
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Kolkata, Howrah, and North & South 24 Parganas: Moderate to heavy showers with chances of localized flooding.
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East & West Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia: Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely.
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Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar: Scattered showers with thunder activity.
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Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Malda: Intermittent heavy spells expected.
3.2 Duration of Rainfall
Rainfall is expected to intensify from Tuesday afternoon and continue until Friday, IMD Warns of Widespread with peak activity on Wednesday and Thursday. Some areas may receive over 100 mm of rainfall in a single day, potentially leading to waterlogging and disruption of transport services. 
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4. Fishermen Alert and Sea Conditions
4.1 IMD Advisory to Fishermen
Due to turbulent sea conditions caused by the low-pressure system and associated wind speeds of 40–50 km/h gusting to 60 km/h, the IMD has strictly advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the West Bengal and Odisha coasts, IMD Warns of Widespread as well as over the north Bay of Bengal until Thursday (June 27).
4.2 Ports and Maritime Guidelines
The Kolkata and Haldia ports have been put on weather alert, IMD Warns of Widespread with shipping traffic being monitored. Inland waterways and ferry services in Sundarbans and South 24 Parganas have also been suspended temporarily.
5. Impact on Daily Life in West Bengal
5.1 Urban Challenges in Kolkata
Kolkata, with its ageing drainage infrastructure, IMD Warns of Widespread remains particularly vulnerable to waterlogging. Local authorities have begun pre-monsoon drain cleaning drives, IMD Warns of Widespread but past experiences show that even moderate rainfall can cause severe disruptions in the city.
Traffic jams, train delays, and flight rescheduling are all anticipated over the next few days. Commuters have been urged to plan their travel accordingly.
5.2 Rural Areas and Agriculture
For rural Bengal, especially in south Bengal districts, IMD Warns of Widespread rainfall is a mixed blessing. On one hand, it supports paddy transplantation, especially the Aman crop, but on the other, IMD Warns of Widespread excess rain in a short duration could flood farmlands and damage stored seeds and fertilizers.
Farmers have been alerted through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to take preventive measures like covering nurseries, storing seeds at higher ground, and constructing temporary bunds in water-prone zones.
6. Flood Risk and Preparedness
6.1 Rivers Under Surveillance
The Central Water Commission (CWC) has issued a moderate flood risk alert for Subarnarekha, Ichhamati, and Rupnarayan rivers, which may swell due to continuous downpour upstream and in catchment areas.
6.2 Disaster Response Readiness
The State Disaster Management Department has activated emergency control rooms in each district. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been pre-deployed in East Midnapore, Howrah, and Hooghly, IMD Warns of Widespread while boats and sandbags have been kept ready near low-lying areas.
Helpline numbers have been circulated, IMD Warns of Widespread and community shelters have been cleaned and stocked with basic amenities in case evacuations are needed.
7. Health and Safety Guidelines
7.1 Health Risks During Heavy Rain
Stagnant water leads to the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera, IMD Warns of Widespread dengue, and typhoid. The Health Department has initiated awareness campaigns for:
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Boiling drinking water.
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Avoiding raw street food.
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Using mosquito nets and repellents.
7.2 Power and Infrastructure
Power utilities have been told to cut supply in flooded areas to prevent electrocution. In addition, IMD Warns of Widespread citizens are advised to stay away from dangling electric wires, IMD Warns of Widespread report tree falls, and keep emergency numbers handy.
8. Transport Disruptions Anticipated
8.1 Roads and Public Transport
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has identified 29 vulnerable spots for waterlogging and arranged high-capacity pumps. Metro and suburban rail services are likely to remain operational but may be delayed due to rainwater intrusion.
8.2 Airport Advisory
Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport may see flight delays or diversions due to poor visibility. Passengers are advised to check flight status before departure.
9. Role of Technology in Weather Prediction
The IMD has used Doppler weather radar, INSAT satellite imagery, and numerical models to predict the formation and movement of this low-pressure system. The Mausam app and Meghdoot app have become essential tools for citizens and farmers, offering:
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Hourly rainfall updates.
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Lightning alerts.
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Crop-specific weather advice.
10. Climate Context: Are Such Systems Becoming More Frequent?
Experts argue that climate change is intensifying monsoon anomalies, leading to more low-pressure systems, erratic rainfall patterns, and heavier downpours in short bursts.
Dr. Ayan Bhattacharya, IMD Warns of Widespread a climatologist from Jadavpur University, notes:
“What we are seeing is a monsoon that is no longer uniform. This erratic behavior is becoming the new normal. Urban planning, especially in flood-prone states like West Bengal, needs urgent adaptation.”
11. Government Response and Political Reactions
The West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has held high-level meetings with district magistrates and has asked for daily updates on rainfall, flooding, and relief measures.
Political opposition, including the BJP and Congress, have urged the state government to ensure relief materials are not delayed, citing past delays during flood-like situations.
12. Media and Public Communication
Local TV channels, radio stations, and digital platforms are working with the IMD to disseminate timely alerts. The Alipore Meteorological Centre is holding twice-daily press briefings, IMD Warns of Widespread while social media is being used to combat misinformation and panic.
Hashtags such as #BengalRainAlert, #FishermenWarning, and #IMDUpdates are trending as people seek real-time information.
13. Historical Context: Past Low Pressure Events
West Bengal has witnessed several damaging low-pressure events in the past:
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Cyclone Aila (2009): Though not a low-pressure event, it emerged from a similar system, IMD Warns of Widespread causing massive flooding.
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August 2021 Low Pressure: Triggered record rainfall in Kolkata and nearby areas.
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June 2023 System: Caused flash floods in Bankura and Purulia districts.
These events have underlined the importance of early warning systems and community readiness.
14. Conclusion: Preparedness and Vigilance Key to Mitigating Impact
As the low-pressure system develops over the Bay of Bengal and makes its mark over Bengal’s skies, IMD Warns of Widespread the need for community vigilance, infrastructure readiness, and government coordination becomes paramount. While rainfall can revive agricultural fortunes, it can also threaten lives and livelihoods if mismanaged.
The IMD’s accurate forecasting and proactive advisories offer a crucial lifeline. However, IMD Warns of Widespread the real test lies in ground-level preparedness — from urban drainage systems in Kolkata to rescue boats in Sundarbans.
In the coming days, Bengal will experience both the power and unpredictability of nature. With preparedness, awareness, and collective effort, the state can weather the storm — and emerge stronger. ALSO READ:- Axiom-4 Mission Launches with India’s Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard: A New Chapter in India’s Human Space Odyssey 2025