CYCLONE ARNAB’S DISTANT FURY BRINGS RAIN TO BENGAL AS ANDHRA COAST BRACES FOR POWERFUL LANDFALL

October 27, 2026

KOLKATA, October 27, 2026: West Bengal is preparing for several days of rain as Cyclone Arnab advances towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, with the weather system expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall on Wednesday. Although Bengal is not expected to bear the cyclone’s direct impact, its extensive cloud bands are likely to bring widespread rainfall across several districts.

According to the India Meteorological Department’s forecast reported by The Telegraph, southern Bengal is likely to experience rain from Tuesday, with more significant showers expected between Wednesday and Saturday. Coastal districts and parts of western Bengal are particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall.

South 24-Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia are among the districts forecast to receive heavy showers. Kolkata and several other districts are likely to experience light to moderate rain, accompanied by gusty winds and occasional lightning.

North Bengal is also expected to experience unsettled weather, with Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong and Alipurduar forecast to receive heavy rain between October 29 and 31.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha are preparing for the cyclone’s more direct effects. The storm is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by Wednesday morning. At landfall, sustained winds could reach 115–125 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 140 kilometres per hour.

Authorities in the affected coastal regions are monitoring the system and preparing for heavy rainfall and damaging winds. The storm’s projected trajectory has also prompted attention from transport and aviation authorities, as weather conditions could disrupt services connecting eastern India with destinations in southern India.

For Bengal, the immediate concern is the prospect of prolonged rainfall rather than a direct cyclone landfall. Heavy showers could cause waterlogging in vulnerable areas and disrupt normal movement, while lightning and gusty winds pose additional risks.

As Cyclone Arnab continues to strengthen over the Bay of Bengal, residents are advised to follow official weather bulletins and local administration advisories, particularly in districts forecast to experience heavy rainfall.