---
title: "Depression moves toward Jharkhand; heavy rain hits Kolkata and western Bengal"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/depression-toward-jharkhand-heavy-rain-west-bengal-fpqtf
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Science & Technology
published: 2026-08-18T07:00:01.851Z
modified: 2026-08-18T09:30:07.741Z
language: en-IN
---

# Depression moves toward Jharkhand; heavy rain hits Kolkata and western Bengal

A depression over Gangetic West Bengal advanced toward Jharkhand on August 18, 2026, prompting IMD to warn of heavy rainfall in multiple western districts. Prior rainfall in Kolkata and surrounding areas caused waterlogging and traffic disruption.

## Key takeaways

- A depression over Gangetic West Bengal moved toward Jharkhand on August 18, 2026, according to IMD.
- Western Bengal districts including Purulia, Bankura, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur are forecast to receive heavy rainfall until August 21 morning.
- Kolkata and Salt Lake experienced significant rainfall on August 17, 2026, causing waterlogging and traffic snarls, with Asansol recording the state's highest rainfall (157 mm) in 24 hours to 8:30 am 

## What Happened

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a depression over Gangetic West Bengal that moved toward Jharkhand on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The system is expected to bring heavy rains to western districts of Bengal—Purulia, Bankura, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur—through the morning of August 21, with thunderstorms and gusty winds at scattered places across south Bengal. Earlier, heavy rain in Kolkata and adjoining Salt Lake on August 17, 2026 caused waterlogging on several roads and traffic snarls.

Rainfall data from IMD indicates Asansol in Paschim Bardhaman recorded 157 mm in 24 hours up to 8:30 am on August 18, 2026, the highest in the state during that period. Kolkata reported 59.8 mm and Salt Lake 75.7 mm in the same 24-hour window. Other measured amounts included Suri (114 mm), Medinipur (109.6 mm), Kalaikunda (94 mm), Diamond Harbour (84 mm), Sriniketan (72 mm) and Jhargram (74.4 mm).

The weather office added that the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri are forecast to receive heavy rainfall through the morning of August 21 due to an active monsoon trough and moisture from the Bay of Bengal.

## Why It Matters

The depression’s trajectory toward Jharkhand and the predicted heavy rainfall across multiple Bengal districts raise the likelihood of continued flooding risk and disruption to transport, utilities and daily life in the affected regions. The IMD warnings indicate potential thunderstorms and gusty winds at various locations, which could impact planning for local authorities and residents in the near term.

## Background

Prior to the 18th, Kolkata and adjacent Salt Lake experienced a wet spell that inundated several thoroughfares, contributing to traffic delays. The update from IMD ties that rainfall event to the ongoing monsoon pattern and moisture influx from the Bay of Bengal, with broader implications for western Bengal over the next couple of days.

## Key Facts

- Depression over Gangetic West Bengal moved toward Jharkhand on August 18, 2026.
- IMD forecast: heavy rains in western Bengal districts—Purulia, Bankura, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur—till August 21 morning.
- Thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected at one or two places in all south Bengal districts.
- August 17 rainfall in Kolkata: 59.8 mm; Salt Lake: 75.7 mm; Asansol: 157 mm (highest in state in 24 hours to 8:30 am on Aug 18).
- Other observed rainfall: Suri 114 mm; Medinipur 109.6 mm; Kalaikunda 94 mm; Diamond Harbour 84 mm; Sriniketan 72 mm; Jhargram 74.4 mm.
- Sub-Himalayan districts (Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri) expected heavy rains through Aug 21 due to active monsoon trough and Bay of Bengal moisture.

## What Happens Next

The IMD’s forecast indicates continued heavy rainfall and potential thunderstorms in western Bengal and adjoining districts through the morning of August 21, with the depression moving toward Jharkhand expected to influence rainfall patterns in the region. Authorities will likely monitor river levels and road conditions, issuing advisories as necessary.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/depression-toward-jharkhand-heavy-rain-west-bengal-fpqtf
Reported from: Multiple Sources