IMD predicts rain relief, thunderstorms in West Bengal; Kolkata may see temperature dip
The IMD has not provided any updates on the possibility of a Kalbaishakhi (Nor'wester).
3 min read
The IMD has predicted thunderstorms and rainfall in Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Uttar Dinajpur districts, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. (Express file photo)As West Bengal grapples with intense summer heat, the IMD has forecast thunderstorms and rainfall across several districts. Northern West Bengal is expected to experience thunderstorms, while Southern West Bengal anticipates relief from the persistent heat through scattered showers.
The IMD has predicted thunderstorms and rainfall in Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Uttar Dinajpur districts, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours.
“Thunderstorms and rain already commenced in some areas of North Bengal overnight and are expected to continue for the next few hours. Notably, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts are also likely to experience significant rainfall during the weekend, with gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph,” said an official.
While Kolkata experienced partly cloudy skies on Thursday morning, the weather pattern shifted as the day progressed. The maximum temperature in Kolkata is expected to hover around 34 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of approximately 26 degrees Celsius.
Wednesday’s maximum temperature was recorded at 34.2 degrees Celsius, slightly below the normal average. The department has forecast the possibility of rain and thunderstorms in Purulia, Birbhum, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur, and Murshidabad districts starting Thursday. However, the likelihood of rainfall in Kolkata and its surrounding areas remains uncertain. If other districts receive rain, Kolkata may experience a slight relief from intense heat.
The weekend — April 12 and 13 — is expected to bring more widespread rainfall across the state. Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad districts are likely to experience thunderstorms with gusty winds (40-50 kmph), lightning, and light to moderate rainfall.
Purba Bardhaman, Nadia, Hooghly, Bankura, Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur and Purba Medinipur districts are also expected to see similar weather conditions, with wind speeds ranging from 30 to 40 kmph. Other districts are anticipated to receive light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms.
“At present, a trough runs from southeast Madhya Pradesh to east Gangetic West Bengal across Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand at 0.9 km above mean sea level. Due to favourable wind patterns and strong moisture incursions from the Bay of Bengal, thunderstorms with lightning and strong gusty surface wind are very likely to occur in some districts of West Bengal from the 9th to the 13th of April,” said a senior weather official.
Despite the anticipated rainfall, the IMD has not provided any updates on the possibility of a Kalbaishakhi (Nor’wester). The department warns that the heat is expected to intensify from mid-April, with the average temperature in Bengal likely to exceed 40 degrees Celsius and potentially reaching 45 degrees Celsius in Kolkata. Residents are advised to prepare for a potential heat wave, “stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the adverse weather conditions,” said an official.
You May Like
Photos
