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Thunderstorms in South Bengal, possibility of snowfall in the hills; IMD’s weather prediction for the weekend

On Friday, Sikkim can expect light to moderate rain or snow in a few areas, with dense fog reducing visibility to between 50 and 199 metres in some places

Across South Bengal, thunderstorms are predicted for all districts on Friday, including Kolkata. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

In Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, on Saturday, light rain or snow is possible in one or two locations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, while Jalpaiguri and Malda districts may experience light rain or thunderstorms. The rest of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal is expected to remain dry, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.

Across South Bengal, thunderstorms are predicted for all districts on Friday, including Kolkata, and rain may persist until Sunday, gradually improving from Tuesday onwards, according to the IMD. On Friday, Sikkim can expect light to moderate rain or snow in a few areas, with dense fog reducing visibility to between 50 and 199 metre in some places.

Temperatures are expected to remain relatively stable for the next five days. The region is currently experiencing a feeling of mild winter in the mornings and evenings, due to the rainfall, with partly cloudy skies. The IMD has predicted that on Saturday, the skies will remain cloudy while there is a chance of light to moderate rain and thunder.

This current weather pattern is influenced by a combination of factors, including cyclones over Rajasthan and Assam, an opposing vortex in the Bay of Bengal, and a western disturbance moving from northwest India.

According to the IMD, light to moderate rain along with thunderstorms is expected over Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, and South 24 Parganas districts, with the possibility of hail. Wind speeds may reach up to 50 kmph, the weathermen said. On Saturday, light to moderate rain along with thunderstorms will continue in these districts.

On Saturday, thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph are expected in East-West Burdwan, Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Birbhum, North 24 Parganas, Hooghly, and Nadia districts while gusty winds of 30 to 40 mph with thundershowers are likely in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, North and South 24 Parganas, Bankura, and East Burdwan districts, with light rain and thundershowers in the remaining areas.

Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is also likely over South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Murshidabad, and Nadia districts. In North Bengal, light snowfall is possible in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, potentially lasting until Tuesday.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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