As South Bengal braces for a significant weather shift, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts predicting thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds across the region. Starting from April 28, 2025, the weather is expected to remain unsettled for the next several days, providing much-needed relief from the oppressive heat that has gripped the area.
According to the IMD, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and wind speeds reaching up to 60 kilometers per hour are anticipated. The weather office has forecast that the temperature in Kolkata, which was around 34 degrees Celsius on April 27, will drop to approximately 29 degrees Celsius on April 28, and could further decrease to around 26 degrees Celsius in the following days.
On April 27, the temperature in Kolkata recorded a minimum of 27.9 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees below normal. The maximum temperature on April 26 was noted at 34.8 degrees Celsius, also below the normal range. This drop in temperature follows a Kalbaishakhi storm that swept through the region on the night of April 26, bringing with it the promise of rain and cooler conditions.
The Kalbaishakhi, a seasonal storm typical for this time of year, was characterized by wind speeds that reached as high as 62 kilometers per hour in Alipur, marking the first of the season. The IMD confirmed that this storm met the criteria for a Kalbaishakhi, as the sustained wind speed exceeded 45 kilometers per hour for more than a minute.
Residents of South Bengal can expect thunderstorms and rain from April 28 through at least April 29. The IMD has issued alerts for several districts, including Hooghly, East Medinipur, West Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, and West Burdwan, warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds. The weather office has indicated that rainfall could reach between 7 to 11 centimeters in some areas.
In a statement, the IMD noted, "Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely to occur in South Bengal, particularly in the districts mentioned. The weather conditions are expected to provide some respite from the heat that has been prevalent in the region."
Following the storm, the public has expressed a mix of relief and concern. Many welcomed the cooler temperatures and rain, which are expected to alleviate the heatwave conditions. However, the potential for severe weather has raised alarms, prompting local authorities to prepare for possible disruptions. Alerts have been issued until Wednesday, emphasizing the need for caution.
Weather experts have predicted that the rainfall will not only cool down the region but also bring a significant change in the overall climate pattern for the week. They anticipate that the temperature across the state could decrease by as much as 5 degrees Celsius due to the impending storms.
In North Bengal, districts such as Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar are also forecasted to experience rainfall, with predictions indicating that these areas may receive between 60 to 70 millimeters of rain. This is expected to further contribute to the cooling trend across the state.
As the weather evolves, residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed warnings from local authorities. The IMD has urged people to remain cautious during thunderstorms, as high winds and lightning can pose serious risks.
The upcoming days will be crucial in determining the impact of this weather system on agriculture, water resources, and daily life in South Bengal. Farmers, in particular, are hopeful that the rain will benefit their crops, which have suffered from the previous heat conditions.
Overall, this weather change marks a significant transition for South Bengal, as the region moves from the sweltering heat of late April into a more temperate climate, thanks to the timely arrival of thunderstorms and rain.
