Why 'বর্ষা' Trended: Cyclone Arnab Forecast and Bengal Rain Alerts

On 19 September 2026, the Bengali word বর্ষা (rain) surged in search queries across India, especially in West Bengal. Google Trends recorded a 100 % growth, with roughly 2,000 searches in a 24‑hour window. The spike was driven by the Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) yellow alerts for thunderstorms and heavy rain, and by the looming possibility of Cyclone Arnab forming over the Bay of Bengal just before Durga Puja.

Low‑Pressure System Turning into a Cyclone

A low‑pressure area had already formed over the North Andaman Sea by the morning of 19 September. Meteorologists warned that the system would strengthen to a depression by 20‑21 September, a deep depression by 21‑22 September, and could become a cyclonic storm named Arnab by 22‑23 September. The forecast suggested that the storm would likely make landfall around 25 September near the North Andhra Pradesh‑Odisha coast, while West Bengal would still feel heavy rainfall and gusty winds up to 60 km/h from 22 September onward. Source 1

IMD Yellow Alerts Across West Bengal

• South Bengal: Yellow alerts for thunderstorms, lightning, and light‑to‑moderate rain were issued for 19‑21 September. Wind gusts of 30‑40 km/h were also warned. Source 2
• North Bengal: Heavy rain yellow alerts were active on 19 September, with intensity expected to taper from 20 September. Source 2
• Kolkata: The city was forecasted to remain cloudy, with increasing rain probability from 22 September. Winds of 30‑40 km/h were expected from 22‑24 September. Source 2

Weather Outlook (Key Dates)

Date Range	Expected Condition	Affected Area
19‑21 Sep	Yellow Alert: Thunderstorms & Rain	South Bengal Districts
22‑24 Sep	Increased Rain & Gusty Winds	Kolkata & Coastal Bengal
25 Sep	Potential Landfall of Cyclone Arnab	Andhra Pradesh‑Odisha Coast

Despite the forecasts, the IMD remained cautious, stating that it had not yet issued a definitive government warning about Cyclone Arnab’s impact. The surge in searches for বর্ষা reflects the collective anxiety of residents preparing for Durga Puja, as heavy rains could disrupt festivals and daily life.