A depression over the Bay of Bengal is set to bring a fresh spell of heavy rain to several parts of India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy to very heavy showers across multiple states.

West Bengal and Odisha are directly in the system’s path, while the wider rain band is expected to affect neighbouring states as well. Telangana could see extremely heavy rainfall, and an orange alert is in place for Jharkhand.

What the IMD is forecasting

The depression, having formed over the Bay of Bengal, is the engine driving this spell. Such systems typically dump intense rainfall as they move inland, with the heaviest showers concentrated near the system’s centre and along its track.

The IMD’s warnings — including the orange alert for Jharkhand, signalling the potential for very heavy rain and disruption — are meant to give state administrations and residents time to prepare.

States on watch

For West Bengal and Odisha, coastal and low-lying districts face the greatest risk of waterlogging and localised flooding. In Telangana, the prospect of extremely heavy rain raises concerns about urban flooding, particularly in Hyderabad.

Residents in affected areas are advised to track official forecasts, avoid waterlogged roads and underpasses, and postpone non-essential travel during peak rainfall.

Monsoon’s lingering punch

The spell is a reminder that the monsoon season’s withdrawal does not mean the end of intense weather. Bay of Bengal systems in this phase can be particularly potent, delivering a season’s worth of disruption in a matter of days.

Disaster management teams in the affected states are expected to remain on standby until the system weakens.