Rain alert: Satellite spots big monsoon system rising over Bay of Bengal

INSAT-3DS has captured a powerful monsoon depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal as the IMD warned of very heavy rain across eastern and central India.A low pressure system rising from Bay of Bengal as seen from space. (Photo: Windy)A powerful monsoon system brewing over the Bay of Bengal is set to unleash very heavy rainfall across eastern and central India over the next two days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).Latest satellite imagery from INSAT-3DS on Monday showed a vast mass of dense clouds stretching across the Bay of Bengal and eastern India, associated with a depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal–north Odisha coasts.The system is expected to intensify rainfall activity as it moves inland. Under its influence, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast over Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh through August 18. The IMD has also warned of isolated spells of extremely heavy rainfall over parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh on August 17, with the focus shifting towards Jharkhand on August 18.The satellite image reveals deep convective cloud bands wrapping around the depression, a sign of strong moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal. Weather experts say the system is drawing enormous amounts of moisture inland, creating favourable conditions for intense rain-bearing thunderstorms. Several districts in Odisha and West Bengal have already reported persistent rainfall, with conditions expected to worsen as the depression tracks west-northwestward. Low-lying areas could face waterlogging, while rivers and streams may witness rapid rises in water levels.The fresh spell of rain is expected to benefit monsoon-deficit regions in eastern and central India, but authorities are also keeping a close watch on the risk of localised flooding, landslides, and disruptions to road and rail traffic.Meteorologists say the Bay of Bengal continues to remain highly active this monsoon season, generating back-to-back weather systems that have repeatedly delivered widespread rainfall across the country.With the depression expected to remain well-marked over the next 24 to 48 hours, residents in affected states have been advised to monitor weather updates and prepare for periods of intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.- EndsPublished By: Sibu Kumar TripathiPublished On: Aug 17, 2026 16:37 IST