West Bengal is bracing for significant weather changes as the Alipore Meteorological Department has warned of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and even hail across various districts of South Bengal. Residents of Kolkata and surrounding areas should prepare for wet conditions starting February 19, 2025, and continuing throughout the week.
The forecast paints a vivid picture of inclement weather, driven by moisture from the Bay of Bengal and western disturbances affecting the atmosphere. On February 19, districts such as Medinipur, Bankura, and Jhargram are expected to experience light to moderate rain and gusty winds up to 50 km/h. By February 20, Purulia, Bankura, and Bardhaman could see severe thunderstorms coupled with hail, alongside high winds.
According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, February 22 and 23 will bring more storms to North 24 Parganas, Nadia, and Purulia, with forecasts indicating potential rain throughout South Bengal. The severe weather will also affect the northern regions, including light rain and even snowfall anticipated in the hilly areas of Darjeeling, presenting a stark shift as winter gives way to early spring.
Somnath Dutta, the Regional Director of Alipore Meteorological Department, emphasized the risk of torrential rains stating, "Farmers should act quickly to protect their crops from excess moisture." This statement reflects growing concerns within the agricultural community as scientists predict significant losses, particularly for rabi crops like potatoes due to increasing rainfall.
Residents are urged to take necessary precautions; the weather department has recommended avoiding open areas during thunderstorms. The urgency of these warnings cannot be understated, as thunderstorms are expected to bring hail to many parts of the state. With maximum temperatures hovering around 30-31 degrees Celsius and minimums significantly higher than normal, the sudden weather shift has left many on edge.
Past weather patterns have revealed how quickly conditions can deteriorate. For example, recent storms caused havoc in Gaighata, damaging about 30 to 35 homes. Local residents described panic as strong winds picked up suddenly, leading to hail. "This sudden storm created havoc, damaging about 30-35 houses," the local news reported, highlighting the pressing need for readiness among communities.
From February 19 through the weekend, forecasts maintain the potential for strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms, prompting officials to coordinate emergency response efforts to address any damage or disruptions caused by the weather. The citizens of Kolkata and surrounding regions will need to stay alert and heed all warnings from the Alipore Meteorological Department as conditions evolve.
Forecasters have confirmed the likelihood of thunderstorms will continue to impact the state; they project rain to persist until at least February 23, which will bear consequences for local agriculture. Consequently, farmers are encouraged to prepare for quick water drainage from the fields to mitigate crop loss as wet weather sets the stage for challenging growing conditions in the days to come.
With forecasts showing no signs of abatement, all of West Bengal remains on high alert for the combination of rain, thunder, and hail, making it imperative for communities and farmers alike to be well-prepared for the unpredictable weather patterns shaping the coming week.