West Bengal is likely to see rain through the weekend, with thunderstorms expected in parts of south Bengal and a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas, according to a weather report citing the India Meteorological Department. Kolkata is expected to remain cloudy on Saturday, with light rain possible, while heavier showers may return across the city from Wednesday.
The forecast comes as the final phase of the monsoon begins over the region. The report said the monsoon’s withdrawal is expected to begin from western Rajasthan on Saturday, while a weather system over the North Andaman Sea may strengthen into a low-pressure area and move towards the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts.
For southern West Bengal, Saturday may bring thunderstorms and gusty winds of about 30 to 40 kilometres per hour in some districts. Kolkata is expected to experience partly cloudy skies and one or two spells of light rain. The report said the probability of thunderstorms and rain would reduce sharply on Sunday, with rainfall expected to decline from Monday.
No storm warning has been issued for south Bengal for Tuesday, but weather conditions may change from Wednesday, when heavier rain is expected in Kolkata and neighbouring areas. The report said rainfall could increase further by Thursday. The district-level yellow alert for East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas indicates the need for residents and local administrations to monitor updates, particularly during periods of thunderstorm activity.
The forecast has immediate implications for weekend movement in Kolkata and southern West Bengal, including shopping, commuting and outdoor activity. Rainfall and gusty winds can affect road visibility, traffic movement and localised drainage, although the report did not specify any disruption to transport services or civic infrastructure.
Kolkata recorded 32.6 millimetres of rain, while the city’s minimum temperature was 26.8 degrees Celsius and its maximum temperature on Friday was 31.9 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity remained between 77 and 97 per cent, meaning that the high moisture levels are likely to sustain uncomfortable conditions even when temperatures moderate.
In north Bengal, the report said heavy rain was not expected over the weekend and that rainfall would remain limited until Wednesday. A fresh spell of heavy rain is forecast from Thursday, particularly in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar. Residents and local authorities in the affected districts will need to follow subsequent updates as the weather system develops and the forecast window approaches.
