The weather in West Bengal is set for a significant change in the second week of May 2025, as the Alipore Weather Department predicts a shift from recent rainfall to rising temperatures. The state is bidding farewell to the rain, with no immediate threats of thunderstorms or heavy downpours in sight. Instead, residents can expect a surge in heat, accompanied by heatwave warnings.
According to meteorologists, temperatures across South Bengal could rise by three to five degrees from Friday through Sunday. Districts such as Purulia, Bankura, West Medinipur, West Bardhaman, and Birbhum are particularly likely to experience heatwaves. Kolkata, the state capital, is not spared from the heat, with temperatures projected to reach between 38 to 40 degrees Celsius. On Thursday, the city recorded a low of 27 degrees and a high of 36 degrees, with humidity levels fluctuating between 48 to 90 percent, adding to the discomfort.
The weather in Kolkata is expected to remain clear in the mornings but could become partly cloudy in the afternoons, with little to no chance of rain. Meanwhile, North Bengal is also bracing for warmer conditions, with districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Uttar Dinajpur anticipating light to moderate rainfall, although temperatures are expected to rise there as well.
By Sunday, May 11, 2025, most districts in North Bengal might see a temperature increase of three to five degrees. However, amidst this heat, there is a silver lining with the monsoon expected to arrive earlier than usual. The Meteorological Department has announced that the monsoon is likely to hit the Andaman Sea, Southeast Bay of Bengal, and the Nicobar Islands by May 13, 2025.
In tandem with the weather updates from West Bengal, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for various regions across the country. Starting from May 8, 2025, the IMD warns of rising temperatures in East India, with a new western disturbance expected to activate from May 9, affecting the western Himalayan region.
Over the next five days, 28 states are bracing for adverse weather, including thunderstorms and rain, while four states may experience heatwave conditions. Heavy rainfall has already begun in various parts of India, with states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh facing severe weather conditions.
The IMD's report indicates that a heatwave may commence in East India from May 8, 2025. The new western disturbance, located at an elevation of 1.5 to 7.6 kilometers above sea level, is anticipated to influence weather patterns significantly. With predictions of strong winds and thunderstorms, residents are advised to remain vigilant.
As the country grapples with fluctuating weather patterns, the IMD has also forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Rajasthan. The weather department has issued warnings for thunderstorms in various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
In West Bengal, the forecast for May 10 and 11 indicates that warm winds may sweep through Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, with humid weather persisting in Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand. The IMD has noted that the southwest monsoon is expected to enter the country post-May 15, marking a shift to pre-monsoon conditions.
In a related note, the weather department has reported that rain and thunderstorms are likely in Dhaka and surrounding areas tonight. The forecast suggests winds blowing from the west or northwest at speeds of 45-60 km/h, with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms in regions like Madaripur, Dhaka, Comilla, and Noakhali.
As the temperature continues to rise, the weather department warns that the daytime temperature across the country may increase by 1-2 degrees Celsius, while night temperatures may also see a slight uptick. Mild heatwaves are currently affecting the Sirajganj and Khulna divisions, and this trend may persist.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to remain predominantly dry from May 9 to May 11, 2025, although there is a chance of rain and thunderstorms in some areas, particularly in Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chittagong, and Sylhet divisions on May 11.
Residents are advised to take precautions during thunderstorms, which include avoiding open spaces, staying indoors, and keeping electrical appliances disconnected. It is crucial to stay updated with reliable sources about the weather, especially with the potential for severe conditions.
As the nation prepares for the upcoming weather changes, the interplay between heatwaves and the anticipated monsoon brings both anxiety and hope. While the heat may be unbearable in the short term, the arrival of the monsoon could offer much-needed relief in the coming weeks.
