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**West Bengal Braces for Heavy Rainfall: Red Alert Issued for North Bengal, Kolkata Sees Record Downpour**

**Kolkata, India –** West Bengal is facing a stark weather divide as a low-pressure system originating in Bihar settles over the region. North Bengal is bracing for extremely heavy rainfall, prompting a red alert for all districts except South Dinajpur. Meanwhile, Kolkata and South Bengal experienced a night of intense thunderstorms and heavy precipitation.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for North Bengal, particularly Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar, where rainfall could reach up to 300mm in some areas. Authorities warn of potential disruptions and have urged residents to take necessary precautions.

Kolkata was hit by intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall overnight. A cluster of cumulonimbus clouds, measuring 17-18 kilometers in length, gathered over the city and South 24 Parganas, resulting in an average of 71mm of rainfall between 2:30 AM and 4:00 AM. The city also experienced approximately 12 lightning strikes per minute during a 45-minute period, causing widespread alarm.

The Red Road Durga Puja carnival in Kolkata faces potential disruption due to the forecast of intermittent moderate to heavy rainfall from 3 PM to midnight. The Alipore Meteorological Department will closely monitor the situation using Doppler radar to provide real-time updates and potentially issue nowcasts for the area.

The IMD anticipates continued rainfall in North Bengal through Thursday, with the possibility of thunderstorms and gusty winds in all districts. South Bengal can expect moderate thunderstorms from Monday through Tuesday, with Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, North & South 24 Parganas, and Kolkata likely to experience heavier rainfall on Monday, followed by North & South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, and East & West Midnapore on Tuesday. Rainfall is expected to gradually decrease in South Bengal from Wednesday.

Looking ahead, international weather models suggest a potential series of low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal starting in October 2025, possibly leading to cyclones in November. However, the IMD has yet to confirm these long-term forecasts in its official outlook.

The monsoon is expected to withdraw from South Bengal between October 14th and 18th.

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