West Bengal residents should prepare for significant weather changes as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for rain and thunderstorms affecting various districts from February 22 to 26, 2025. The upcoming weather pattern is primarily influenced by western disturbances along with moisture influx from the Bay of Bengal, expected to lead to tumultuous conditions across the region.
According to the IMD, districts like Kolkata and several others within South Bengal can expect considerable rain. The forecast notes, "Heavy rain with thunderstorms has been predicted across several districts," indicating widespread disturbances. Kolkata may see maximum temperatures peaking around 26 degrees Celsius, with minimal cooling during the night hours. Residents might experience temperatures oscillation between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius, creating fluctuated comfort levels.
Specifically, Saturday is set to witness thunderstorms and wind speeds between 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, raising concerns about possible disruptions. Notably, the stormy weather aligns with the auspicious Mahashivratri festival on February 26, prompting locals to inquire, "Will it rain on Mahashivratri?" This period is significant for many, heightening the anticipation surrounding weather conditions.
Further elaboration by IMD forecasts indicates, "The weather pattern indicates significant changes with chances of rain on Saturday." These climatic shifts are not isolated to South Bengal; Northern districts may encounter gusty winds and even snowfall, particularly in hill regions.
On Friday night and Saturday, light to moderate showers are predicted, especially across the Ganges basin, which could bring relief to the dry weather experienced recently. On the other hand, the overall forecast for North Bengal suggests drier conditions compared to the southern parts, as mentioned by the IMD. The IMD's updates forecast light rain across district pockets, testing the local infrastructure with sudden weather patterns.
Despite these disruptions, the IMD reassures, "Significant rain and thunderstorms are likely to affect West Bengal, especially around Mahashivratri." It suggests residents remain advised to check updates regularly to stay prepared, whether for travel or festival preparations.
Reports indicate the possibility of minimizing adverse effects from this sudden change. Light rain showers may bring coolness following warmer spells, which has been prevalent recently. Therefore, communities across West Bengal are gearing up for substantial alterations, hoping for timely relief from excess heat accompanied by the anticipated rains.
The weather update highlights other factors as well, including low-pressure systems forming over the eastern parts. Moisture incursion triggered by these regional climatic systems contributes to the rainy outlook, also reiterative of similar phenomena seen over past months.
For Kolkata residents, apart from rain, thunderstorms are also expected to accompany the inclement weather over the weekend. This combined forecast indicates upcoming days are poised to bear heavily and potentially impact various festive engagements, especially Mahashivratri.
Looking beyond the immediate forecasts, meteorologists hint at gradual stabilization within the week following Mahashivratri with diminishing chances of rain. Simulation models suggest securing consistent weather patterns as temperatures slowly normalize to seasonal averages.
Overall, residents of West Bengal are advised to stay tuned to the IMD for real-time updates and to remain vigilant, particularly through the festival season, as the weather conditions tread toward volatility. Ongoing preparation and awareness can mitigate unforeseen impacts during this dynamic weather phase.