Kalbaishakhi Alert! Nor’westers to Hit Bengal Districts as Alipore Forecasts Thunderstorms
As the temperature continues to rise across West Bengal, the Alipore Meteorological Department has signaled a major shift in the atmospheric conditions. With moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal and a cyclonic circulation, the state is likely to experience its first spell of ‘Kalbaishakhi’ or Nor’westers this season. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and lightning are predicted for several districts over the next 48 to 72 hours.
According to the latest weather update, districts in South Bengal, including Jhargram, West Midnapore, and Bankura, are on alert for moderate rainfall and squally winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph. In North Bengal, sub-Himalayan regions like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri are facing a hailstorm warning. While the rain might bring down the maximum temperature temporarily, the high humidity levels are expected to cause discomfort.
Kolkata and its neighboring areas will likely see a partly cloudy sky with chances of scattered light to moderate thundershowers in the late afternoon or evening. The weather office has advised citizens to take precautions during lightning strikes and avoid standing under tall trees or electric poles. Farmers have also been warned about potential crop damage due to sudden rain and hail. As the summer intensifies, these pre-monsoon showers reflect the volatile weather pattern currently gripping the region.