The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of intensified thunderstorm activity across West Bengal for April 9, citing favourable atmospheric conditions. In its latest update, the department
noted that strong moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal, coupled with conducive wind patterns, is likely to trigger widespread storm activity across several districts.
According to reports, meteorologists have attributed the changing weather to multiple systems, including an east-west trough stretching from northwest Uttar Pradesh to Manipur, along with an upper-air cyclonic circulation over Chhattisgarh.
Additionally, a trough line extending across Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, and Telangana is drawing significant moisture from the Bay of Bengal, further fuelling storm development.
Rain And Thunderstorms Expected In South Bengal
Districts in South Bengal, including Kolkata, East Midnapore, North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, and Nadia, are likely to witness light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning on April 9. Wind speeds in these areas are expected to reach 30-40 km/h, with stronger gusts possible in isolated pockets.
Several other districts such as East and West Burdwan, Birbhum, Bankura, Hooghly, and North 24 Parganas may also experience scattered rainfall and storm activity. In some areas, Kalbaisakhi-like conditions, hailstorms, and gusty winds of up to 50-60 km/h are likely, especially in and around Kolkata.
North Bengal To See Intense Storms And Heavy Rain
North Bengal is expected to face more severe weather conditions, with fairly widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across districts such as Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar.
According to a report in Asia Net News, heavy rainfall warnings, up to 110 mm, have been issued for parts of Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri. Kalbaisakhi storms with wind speeds ranging between 50-70 km/h are likely in districts including Malda, North and South Dinajpur, Darjeeling, and Jalpaiguri. Hailstorms and lightning are also possible in select areas.
The IMD has cautioned that thunderstorms could bring lightning strikes, damage to temporary structures, uprooting of trees, and disruptions to power and communication lines. Standing crops may also be affected, while reduced visibility could disrupt road traffic, particularly in urban centres.
Wind speeds could touch up to 80 km/h in isolated areas, increasing the risk of localised damage.
Authorities have issued a warning to fishermen along the West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha coasts, advising them not to venture into the sea for at least 24 hours. Squally winds are expected to reach speeds of 60 km/h or higher, leading to rough sea conditions.
Kolkata Weather: Cloudy Skies And Evening Storms Likely
Kolkata woke up to cloudy skies, with the Alipore Meteorological Office forecasting thunderstorms and lightning later in the day. Storm activity may intensify by evening, with the possibility of Kalbaisakhi conditions.
The city recorded a minimum temperature of 21.8°C, while the previous day’s maximum stood at 32.0°C. Humidity levels ranged between 58% and 95%, contributing to the unstable weather.
Storm Activity To Ease After April 10
Thunderstorm activity is expected to persist across South Bengal through Thursday, with scattered rain continuing into Friday. From April 10 onwards, conditions are likely to improve gradually, with rainfall becoming more isolated.
By the weekend, most parts of South Bengal are expected to experience dry weather, accompanied by a gradual rise in temperatures.
In contrast, North Bengal is expected to see continued rainfall and storm activity until Friday, with light to moderate showers likely to persist in districts such as Darjeeling and Alipurduar through April 10-14.
Temperature Set To Rise Across West Bengal
Daytime temperatures are expected to remain largely stable on April 9. However, a gradual increase of around 4-6°C is likely over the next few days, particularly from Friday, April10, onwards, as storm activity subsides.
Advisory For Residents
Residents have been advised to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles, and stay away from water bodies.
Authorities have urged caution to minimise risks during periods of intense weather activity.
