Written by Debasmita Chowdhury
Early onset of monsoon is expected in West Bengal on May 28. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the early onset will first impact the Odisha coast on May 27 before advancing into Bengal the following day.
A low-pressure area has developed over the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast. It is expected to intensify and bring substantial rainfall to West Bengal between May 27 and May 31. The IMD has issued a red alert for the state, warning of heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout the week.
Adding to the unusual weather pattern, the southwest monsoon made an early entry into Kerala on May 24, eight days ahead of its usual June 1 onset. This is the earliest arrival since 2009.
In South Bengal, residents should brace for light to moderate rain and thundershowers with gusty winds of 30-40 kmph from May 27 to 31. On May 27, heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) is forecasted in South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur. By May 28, the heavy rain is expected to extend to North 24 Parganas, Paschim Medinipur, and Howrah.
The most severe weather is anticipated on May 29 and 30, with heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) likely in Purba and Paschim Bardhaman, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly. Wind speeds in coastal areas may rise to 40-50 kmph, while Kolkata, Howrah, and nearby districts will experience gusts of 30-40 kmph.
In North Bengal, weather conditions are expected to worsen from May 29 onwards. Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar districts are on alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall — potentially exceeding 20 cm — particularly on May 30 in Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri. Severe weather is expected to continue in the hill districts through June 1.
Authorities warn of widespread impacts, including damage to standing crops, a heightened risk of lightning strikes in open fields, and waterlogging in low-lying urban areas, which could severely disrupt traffic. In the hilly regions of North Bengal, the risk of landslides and poor visibility due to fog is also a concern.
Meanwhile, the IMD warns of squally weather and wind speeds of 35-45 kmph over the Bay of Bengal from May 27 to 31. Sea conditions are expected to be rough to very rough, and fishermen are strongly advised against venturing into deep waters during this period.