Clouds on Code: Orange Alert Hits Jalpaiguri as Bengal Stays on Edge

 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Jalpaiguri district in North Bengal due to forecasted very heavy rainfall, while several other districts in both North and South Bengal continue to be under yellow alert for moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The ongoing monsoon trough extending from northwest India to the Bay of Bengal is fueling widespread rainfall and associated weather hazards across the state.

 

Key Highlights of the Weather Situation

 

Jalpaiguri has been placed on orange alert with expected rainfall ranging from 7 to 20 cm at isolated locations on August 30, 2025.

 

Neighboring districts Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Coochbehar have received yellow alerts for heavy rainfall of 7 to 11 cm expected at certain places.

 

Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are predicted across these North Bengal districts.

 

The IMD has also warned of possible landslides in the hilly regions of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, advising residents to avoid movement in landslide-prone and waterlogging areas.

 

Over the last 24 hours, intense rainfall was recorded with Buxaduar in Alipurduar seeing 16 cm, followed by Nagarkata (15 cm) and Chengmari (14 cm), and Maynaguri College in Jalpaiguri district receiving 11 cm.

 

Situation in South Bengal

 

South Bengal districts including East Midnapore, North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, and Kolkata are under a yellow alert.

 

Residents should expect light to moderate rain along with thunderstorms and gusty winds at various locations.

 

Kolkata is forecast to experience mostly cloudy skies with light to moderate spells of rain or thundershowers.

 

Temperatures in Kolkata are expected to hover around a maximum of 32 degrees Celsius and minimum of 26 degrees Celsius.

 

Authorities have cautioned against waterlogging-related disruptions in urban areas and advised people to avoid sheltering under trees and electric poles during lightning.

 

Advisories and Precautions

 

Residents and travelers in affected areas are urged to stay alert and follow official instructions.

 

Avoid venturing into vulnerable zones prone to flooding, waterlogging, or landslides, especially in hilly terrains.

 

Motorists are advised to exercise caution as heavy rains reduce visibility and may cause slippery roads.

 

Emergency services have been put on standby to respond promptly to weather-related incidents.

 

Impact on Infrastructure and Daily Life

 

Several low-lying areas in northern districts have already experienced flooding, affecting connectivity and local livelihoods.

 

The Mumbai-Siliguri National Highway 10 faced disruptions due to landslides at Tarkhola, with traffic rerouted and heavy vehicle movement temporarily halted.

 

Waterlogging in urban areas is causing traffic snarls and affecting public transport efficiency.

 

Power outages and communication interruptions may occur during thunderstorms moving across the state.

 

Outlook for the Coming Days

 

The monsoon trough influencing West Bengal is likely to persist, suggesting continued moderate to heavy rainfall episodes in both North and South Bengal regions.

 

The IMD has forecast the weather to remain unsettled with periodic heavy downpours and strong winds till early September.

 

Continuous monitoring and timely updates are expected to help mitigate risks and enhance preparedness.

 

Conclusion

 

The orange alert for Jalpaiguri and yellow alerts for multiple Bengal districts reflect a critical monsoon phase necessitating vigilance and precautionary measures for residents, travelers, and authorities. With heavy rainfall expected to continue, coordinated efforts are essential to safeguard lives and infrastructure while minimizing disruptions due to natural weather hazards.

 

Sources: Indian Express, IMD Press Releases, NewsBytes, BengalInfo.com