West Bengal is bracing for significant rainfall and thunderstorms over the weekend, as forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predict inclement weather across the region. According to the Alipore Weather Office, Kolkata and several southern districts will experience light to moderate rain, accompanied by strong winds.
Starting Saturday, February 24, and continuing through Sunday, the state is expected to see rain with scattered thunderstorms. The IMD has issued alerts indicating wind speeds could reach between 30 to 50 kilometers per hour during these storms. Alipore Weather Office officials mentioned, "Thunderstorms with rain are likely to occur across the districts from Saturday," pointing to the intensity and widespread nature of the weather event.
This unexpected wet spell coincides with the traditional transition from winter to spring, leading to unusual weather patterns. The recent weather disturbances are attributed to cyclonic activity over the Bay of Bengal, coupled with western disturbances moving from northwest India. "Wind speeds could reach 40-50 km/h during the storms," noted meteorologists, emphasizing the potential for damaging gusts.
Throughout the weekend, areas ranging from Kolkata to Howrah, Hooghly, and North and South 24 Parganas will be especially affected. Reports suggest rain is also likely to extend to the northern districts, particularly Darjeeling, where light snowfall is anticipated at higher elevations. According to weather updates, "Light snowfall is also predicted for upper areas of Darjeeling," which could delight tourists but poses challenges for local farmers who may be concerned about the impact on crops.
The forecast also predicts temperature fluctuations over the weekend. Prior to the rain, daytime highs are expected to hover around 29 degrees Celsius, with overnight lows dipping to about 22 degrees Celsius. Post-rain, temperatures may rebound slightly before returning to seasonal norms. The cooling effect of rain could bring temporary relief from heat, but whether this will linger remains uncertain.
On Saturday morning, parts of southern Bengal, including East and West Medinipur, as well as the districts surrounding Kolkata, may see light to moderate rainfall. The weather will remain partly cloudy, but conditions will worsen as the day progresses. The IMD encourages residents to stay vigilant, advising, "Wind speeds of 30-40 km/h can create hazardous conditions, especially near open areas and trees." Safety measures, such as avoiding travel during storms and securing loose items outdoors, have been recommended.
For the northern districts, the rain is expected to taper off by Monday, leading to clearer weather conditions. The Alipore office has assured residents of weather improvements following the weekend storms. According to officials, "Monday will see improvements, and rainfall will decrease significantly, allowing for clearer skies across Bengal." Still, weather enthusiasts and locals alike are preparing for the disruptive nature of this weekend’s storms.
The moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are contributing to the prevalent weather patterns, leaving farmers anxious about their crops. Experts warn of potential damages to rabi crops, particularly potatoes, due to the excessive rainfall. "Farmers are understandably worried about the impact this wet weather could have on their yields," emphasized one agronomist from the region.
While the weekend storms are expected to bring much-needed rain for parched lands, they also raise concerns about landslides and other weather-related disasters, especially in hill districts like Darjeeling. Residents are advised to stay tuned to weather updates and remain prepared for any sudden weather changes over the weekend.
Overall, this unpredictable weather can serve as both a boon and a bane for West Bengal as it navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by the upcoming weekend storms.