The month of March, traditionally known for its scorching sun and soaring humidity in West Bengal, has taken an unexpected turn this year. Breaking all seasonal norms, persistent rain and thunderstorms have kept the temperatures significantly below the average mark. As Kolkata enjoys a rare “cool” spring, the Alipore Meteorological Department has issued a fresh warning: a powerful Nor’wester (Kalbaishakhi) is likely to strike over the coming weekend.

For the past few days, cloudy skies and intermittent showers have redefined the city’s climate. The usual heatwave conditions of late March have been replaced by a pleasant breeze, making the afternoons unusually bearable. According to weather experts, a trough of low pressure extending over South Bengal, coupled with high moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, is responsible for this atmospheric shift. Consequently, the maximum temperature in Kolkata has been hovering around 28-30°C, a sharp contrast to the typical 35-37°C recorded during this period.

However, the upcoming weekend might bring some disruption. The weather office predicts that on Saturday and Sunday, gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 km/h could lash Kolkata and surrounding districts. Heavy rain accompanied by lightning is expected to hit North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, and Hooghly. While the drop in mercury is a welcome relief for commuters, the threat of uprooted trees and localized flooding remains a concern for the city administration.

While the agricultural sector is wary of the impact on seasonal crops, the urban population is relishing the respite from the grueling summer heat. Residents have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms as the frequency of lightning strikes has increased. For now, the traditional fire of the Bengali month ‘Chaitra’ has been doused by the refreshing showers of an unpredictable spring.