As South Bengal braces for a significant weather shift, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across eight districts. The forecast predicts possible lightning strikes and severe downpours, particularly affecting three districts. These changes are anticipated to occur within the next two to three hours, marking a notable shift in the region's weather.
The IMD has identified a trough extending from Sikkim to North Odisha, which passes over West Bengal and Jharkhand. Additionally, another trough is situated over East Madhya Pradesh extending to Gangetic West Bengal and Chhattisgarh. This meteorological activity is expected to bring thunderstorms and rainfall, particularly in Kolkata, where residents can expect inclement weather through Sunday, April 20, 2025.
On Friday, April 18, 2025, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 26.9 degrees Celsius, significantly below the normal range by 5.8 degrees. The previous day saw a maximum temperature of 37.9 degrees Celsius, which was 1.1 degrees below normal. This drop in temperature can be attributed to the recent rainfall, which has provided some relief from the heat.
According to the Alipur Weather Office, Friday also brought warnings for fishermen due to squally weather conditions over the sea, leading to a temporary prohibition on fishing activities. The coastal areas are expected to experience winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kilometers per hour, with gusts possibly exceeding 60 kilometers per hour. The IMD has advised that the sea may become rough, posing risks for maritime activities.
The weather forecast for South Bengal indicates that thunderstorms will persist until Sunday, affecting districts such as North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, and Hooghly. Following Sunday, these areas may experience a return to dry conditions, while other districts could see scattered rainfall into Monday. After this period, temperatures are expected to gradually rise again.
In the broader context, the IMD has been monitoring the weather patterns closely, noting that the Kalbaishakhi, or pre-monsoon storm, has already made its presence felt in various districts, including Hooghly, where hailstorms and power outages were reported. Widespread rainfall was also recorded in Medinipur, with Kolkata experiencing heavy downpours that contributed to the drop in temperatures.
As the region prepares for continued weather fluctuations, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions, especially those living in areas prone to flooding and strong winds. The IMD will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
In Bangladesh, the weather forecast for Saturday, April 19, 2025, indicates similar conditions, with the potential for thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall across various divisions, including Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chittagong, and Sylhet. The national meteorological department has reported that some areas may experience heavy rainfall, while temperatures across the country are expected to remain stable.
The highest temperature recorded in the last 24 hours was in Mongla at 37.6 degrees Celsius, while the lowest was noted in Syedpur at 19.8 degrees Celsius. The synoptic situation indicates that a light pressure area extends over West Bengal and adjacent regions, contributing to the current weather patterns.
Moreover, river ports in areas such as Dhaka, Faridpur, Madaripur, Tangail, Barisal, Patuakhali, Comilla, Noakhali, Chittagong, and Cox's Bazar have been placed under signal number 1 due to the expected temporary thunderstorms with wind speeds of 60-80 kilometers per hour from the south/south-west direction.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant as weather conditions may change rapidly. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has assured that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and issue timely warnings as necessary.
As the monsoon season approaches, both West Bengal and Bangladesh are on high alert for the impacts of these weather changes. With the potential for both beneficial rains and hazardous storms, communities are encouraged to prepare accordingly.
