West Bengal: Hail, thunderstorms likely to hit several districts today
The turbulent weather has prompted warnings for fishermen, with a prohibition on venturing into the sea until Friday due to potentially rough conditions caused by strong winds.
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Groundsmen cover the ground as a preventive measure against rain ahead of the opening ceremony of the IPL cricket tournament, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Thursday. (PTI)West Bengal is bracing for a spell of severe weather, with the Meteorological Department forecasting hailstorms, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall across several districts until Saturday.
“Thunderstorm and lightning accompanied with gusty wind (30-40kmph) and light to moderate rain likely to affect over some parts of Birbhum Purulia, and Paschim Bardhaman,” read a statement issued by weather office.
On Thursday and Friday, Jhargram, Bankura, Purba and Paschim Medinipur and Hooghly are expected to experience hailstorms accompanied by wind speeds of 50 to 60 kmph. Purba Bardhaman and Howrah will likely see thunderstorms and rain, while the remaining districts of South Bengal, including Kolkata, can anticipate thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph and light to moderate rain.
The turbulent weather has prompted warnings for fishermen, with a prohibition on venturing into the sea until Friday due to potentially rough conditions caused by strong winds.
The unsettled weather pattern is expected to continue into Saturday, with rain, thunder, and even hail predicted for Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, and East Burdwan. Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas will also experience thunderstorms and rain, while other districts will see slightly lower wind speeds.
“North Bengal is also set to experience similar weather conditions, with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning expected across all districts on Friday and Saturday. Gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph are anticipated, with potentially higher speeds in Malda, South Dinajpur, and North Dinajpur,” said weather official.
The Meteorological Department attributes the impending weather to a favorable wind pattern and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal at lower tropospheric levels, creating ideal conditions for thunderstorms with lightning and strong gusty surface winds from March 20th to 22nd, 2025.
Also, the anticipated arrival of the Kalbaishakhi storm, a pre-monsoon thunderstorm, is expected to bring relief from the recent spell of intense heat.
The Alipore Meteorological Department has noted a significant influx of water vapor from the Bay of Bengal and favorable wind flow conditions, contributing to the formation of storms and rain across the state.
In Kolkata, Wednesday saw a maximum temperature of 33.9 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal, and a minimum temperature of 24.2 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal. The city experienced high humidity levels, reaching a maximum of 91 percent. Today, Thursday, the sky is partly cloudy, with thunderstorms and showers expected in the afternoon or evening.
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