Kalbaisakhi Storms to Lash West Bengal; Kolkata on High Alert

After weeks of dry and hot weather, the much-anticipated Kalbaisakhi showers have returned to West Bengal, bringing relief to parched lands and soaring temperatures. In the past 24 hours, several districts have experienced a fresh spell of rain and thunderstorms, marking the onset of intense pre-monsoon activities.

Significant rainfall has been recorded across the region: Bankura received 28 mm, Kolkata's Alipore observatory measured 23 mm, Dum Dum airport recorded 17 mm, Howrah saw a substantial 45 mm, Diamond Harbour noted 11 mm, and Salt Lake witnessed 14 mm of rainfall. Meanwhile, the sub-Himalayan parts of West Bengal also reported light to moderate showers accompanied by thunder.

This sudden surge in weather activity is attributed to multiple meteorological factors. A cyclonic circulation persists over Northeast Bangladesh, while another has developed over East Assam. Adding to this, a trough extends from central Madhya Pradesh down to southern Bangladesh, traversing through Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal. Additionally, moisture-laden southerly winds from the Bay of Bengal are fuelling these storms.

Forecasters predict that intense rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning, hailstorms, and strong winds reaching speeds of 60–70 km/h, will impact several districts of Gangetic West Bengal. Areas such as Purulia, Bankura, Bardhhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah, Kolkata, Medinipur, Diamond Harbour, Contai, Shantiniketan, and both North and South 24 Parganas are likely to experience significant weather disturbances.

Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, and Malda, will also receive showers, though the intensity is expected to be lighter compared to the southern districts.

These Kalbaisakhi storms are anticipated to offer much-needed respite from the oppressive heat, at least until May 3. In Kolkata, maximum temperatures are expected to dip to around 31–32°C, while minimum temperatures could hover around a pleasant 19–20°C.

However, residents are advised to stay alert, as the combination of strong winds, lightning strikes, and hailstorms could potentially cause localized damage and disruption.