The spring season in West Bengal is taking an erratic turn as the Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore has predicted a stormy weekend for both the hills and the plains. A cyclonic circulation over South Gangetic West Bengal and an active trough line stretching from Bihar to Manipur are set to trigger widespread rainfall and ‘Kalbaishakhi’ (Nor’westers) across the state. If you were planning an outdoor outing this weekend, you might want to reconsider.

According to the latest IMD bulletin, an ‘Orange Alert’ has been issued for Saturday and Sunday. South Bengal districts, including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, and Nadia, are likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph. Hailstorms are also a possibility in some pockets of Nadia and Hooghly. This comes after a severe thunderstorm lashed the city on Friday midnight, causing localized power outages and uprooting trees.

In North Bengal, the situation is even more dramatic. Higher reaches of Darjeeling and Sikkim have already reported late-season snowfall, while heavy rainfall is expected in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar. Authorities have warned tourists about reduced visibility and potential landslides in hilly terrains. Fishermen have also been advised not to venture into the North Bay of Bengal for the next 24 hours.

Weather experts suggest that the rainy spell will continue until March 30, with a gradual clearing expected from April 1. While the rain will bring a temporary dip in temperatures, the high humidity levels are expected to cause discomfort. Residents are advised to stay indoorsduring lightning and avoid standing under tall trees or electrical poles.