Cyclone Montha Parting Gift: Cyclone Montha, which recently swept across the eastern part of India, left behind a mesmerizing yet turbulent aftermath. As the storm weakened and moved away, it gifted the region a rare combination of early winter snowfall in Sikkim and heavy rainfall across North Bengal, painting a vivid meteorological picture of nature’s extremes.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic system that hit coastal Bengal has now weakened into a depression. However, its tail-end effects brought substantial moisture-laden winds to the Himalayan belt, resulting in the first white blanket of the season over higher altitudes of Sikkim, including Tsomgo Lake, Lachung, and Yumthang Valley.
Residents of Gangtok woke up to a breathtaking sight—snow-dusted rooftops and mist-covered pine slopes—a rare November view in recent years. Tourists, who were earlier stranded due to Montha’s downpour, described the scene as “nature’s dramatic transformation from storm to serenity.”
Rain Lashes North Bengal as Montha Moves Away
While Sikkim enjoyed its scenic snowfall, North Bengal districts like Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar witnessed heavy to moderate rain. The Teesta River basin experienced a sudden surge in water level, prompting local authorities to maintain high alert, though no major flooding has been reported so far.
According to an IMD bulletin (source), several hill areas received more than 60mm of rainfall within 24 hours. Low-lying tea estates in the foothills temporarily halted operations due to waterlogging and safety concerns.
Local farmers, however, found a silver lining — the post-cyclone showers helped revive soil moisture, which had dropped during October’s dry spell. “The rain will help the early rabi crops. It’s a blessing after Montha’s fury,” said Rabin Chettri, a tea estate worker from Jalpaiguri.
Cyclone Montha Parting Gift: Sikkim’s Tourism Sector Reawakens
Tour operators in Sikkim and North Bengal have begun promoting the snowfall as an early winter attraction. Travel agencies are offering extended stay packages around Gangtok, Lachung, and Nathula Pass, banking on the growing demand for snow tourism.
The Sikkim Tourism Department (official portal) issued an advisory urging tourists to check local weather updates before traveling to high-altitude zones. Roads between Gangtok and Nathula were temporarily closed due to slippery conditions but are expected to reopen once snowfall stabilizes.
Scientific Insights: Why Snow Came Early This Year
Climatologists from IIT Kharagpur and IMD Kolkata believe the early snowfall is linked to an unusual interaction between the retreating monsoon and the weakening cyclone. As Montha pulled in cold air from the north, it collided with moist tropical currents, triggering precipitation at freezing altitudes.
“This convergence of air masses created a perfect setup for snow formation,” explained Dr. Arun Majumdar, a senior meteorologist. “Such events, though rare, are becoming more frequent due to climate variability in the Himalayan region.”
For context, Sikkim typically records its first snow around mid-November or early December. Montha’s early influence has advanced this timeline by nearly three weeks.
Cyclone Montha’s Journey: From Bay to the Himalayas
Cyclone Montha originated over the central Bay of Bengal, intensifying rapidly before making landfall near Digha, West Bengal. Its path cut across the Gangetic plains, dumping rain over Kolkata, Howrah, and Purba Medinipur before dissipating over northern Bihar.
Though no severe damage was reported post-landfall, the system’s prolonged activity disrupted air and train services, uprooted trees, and led to localized flooding in some regions. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) remained stationed in coastal zones as a precautionary measure.
Read IMD’s cyclone analysis report.
Impact on Daily Life and Economy
In Darjeeling and Kalimpong, continuous drizzle and low temperatures have affected outdoor trade and transport. Vegetable supply chains from hill regions to Siliguri markets were temporarily interrupted. However, many small businesses that depend on tourism are optimistic about a strong winter season following the snowfall buzz.
Eco-resorts and homestays in Yumthang and Lachen have already reported an uptick in bookings. “People want to experience the post-cyclone snow — it’s rare and refreshing,” said Tsering Bhutia, a homestay owner.
Government Advisory and Safety Measures
The West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority (WBSDMA) (official portal) has issued a travel caution for hilly areas prone to landslides. In Sikkim, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) crews are on standby to clear snow from strategic highways connecting border zones.
The Sikkim Police have urged travelers to avoid night journeys on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road, citing black ice risks. Power departments have begun repairing damaged supply lines affected by rain and wind gusts from Montha’s remnants.
Public Reactions on Social Media
Social media platforms flooded with visuals tagged #CycloneMontha #SikkimSnowfall #NorthBengalRain, showing mesmerizing transitions from storm clouds to snowflakes. The contrast between Kolkata’s drenched streets and Sikkim’s snowfields became a trending talking point across India.
Climate activists also used the occasion to highlight the growing unpredictability of Indian weather systems.
“Montha is a reminder that climate adaptation must now include both flood and snow preparedness,” tweeted @ClimateLensIndia, an environmental monitoring account.
Looking Ahead: What Montha Means for Winter 2025
Meteorological forecasts suggest that the eastern Himalayas may experience a colder and wetter winter this year due to atmospheric changes following Montha’s passage. Early snowfall may accelerate glacial accumulation, affecting both tourism and hydroelectric operations.
The IMD has advised hill residents to brace for another cold wave by mid-November as temperatures are expected to dip below 5°C in northern Sikkim.
External References for Readers
- India Meteorological Department (IMD) – Weather Forecasts
- Sikkim Tourism Department
- West Bengal Disaster Management Authority
- National Disaster Management Authority
- Ministry of Earth Sciences – Climate Reports
In Summary:
Cyclone Montha, though weakened, reshaped the eastern Indian landscape in its final phase. From torrential rain across Bengal to Sikkim’s first snowfall of 2025, it highlighted nature’s dual temperament — destructive yet beautiful. As the skies clear, the region stands poised between recovery and rejuvenation, with the promise of a dazzling winter ahead.
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