As the weather patterns shift in West Bengal, residents are bracing for a series of thunderstorms and rain that are forecasted to last until April 22, 2025. The Alipur Weather Office has issued advisories indicating that nearly all districts in South Bengal will experience varying degrees of rain and thunderstorms over the coming days.
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Kolkata's skies started off partly cloudy, but the heat is expected to intensify as the day progresses. The weather office warns that rain is likely in the afternoon, providing some relief from the increasing temperatures. This pattern of scattered thunderstorms is attributed to a trough extending from Sikkim to North Odisha, which is allowing significant moisture to flow in from the Bay of Bengal.
According to the latest forecasts, districts across South Bengal, including Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas, are predicted to see wind speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, accompanied by light to moderate rainfall. The weather is expected to remain unsettled, with thunderstorms anticipated to develop as atmospheric conditions become favorable.
In North Bengal, the districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Kalimpong are also under a forecast of thunderstorms, with wind speeds expected to reach 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. Light to moderate rainfall is anticipated in these areas as well, particularly from April 16 to April 18, 2025.
As for the heat, the Alipur Weather Office has noted that the discomfort from high temperatures may diminish temporarily due to the incoming rain and storms. On April 16, the maximum temperature in Kolkata reached 34.2 degrees Celsius, just slightly below the normal range, while the minimum was recorded at 26.8 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels have been notably high, with relative humidity peaking at 88 percent.
Weather experts indicate that the thunderstorms will not only provide relief from the heat but may also bring with them the potential for severe weather in certain areas. The forecasts suggest that Friday, April 18, could see wind speeds escalating to between 50 and 60 kilometers per hour in districts like Jhargram, Dakshin 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, and Paschim Medinipur. Other regions may experience winds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, further adding to the stormy conditions.
In light of these developments, the weather office has issued yellow alerts for several districts, urging residents to remain cautious and prepared for sudden weather changes. The advisories highlight the likelihood of thunderstorms with lightning, particularly on Friday, April 18, when the atmospheric conditions are expected to peak.
As the week progresses, the weather is anticipated to remain volatile, with scattered thunderstorms continuing into the weekend. The Alipur Weather Office has indicated that while the storms will provide necessary rainfall, the potential for localized flooding and other weather-related disruptions should not be underestimated.
Residents are advised to stay informed through local weather updates as the situation evolves. With the arrival of these storms, the hope is that they will bring much-needed moisture to the region, alleviating the dry conditions that have persisted in recent weeks.
In summary, as West Bengal prepares for a series of thunderstorms and rain, the impact on daily life is expected to be significant. From the bustling streets of Kolkata to the quieter rural areas, the effects of this weather pattern will be felt across the state. The coming days will reveal how these storms will reshape the current weather landscape, and whether they will provide lasting relief from the heat.
