• Moumi Mousumi
• 03 May, 2025

West Bengal is set to face intense Kalbaishakhi storms this week, with wind speeds up to 60 kmph, lightning and potential hailstorms affecting multiple districts. From Kolkata to Darjeeling, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy rain and gusty winds until Tuesday, May 6th, 2025. This Google Trends and insights from X, details affected areas, safety tips and weather impacts to keep you prepared.

Details & Context
A cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal and North Bangladesh is driving moist winds into West Bengal, triggering Kalbaishakhi—a seasonal storm known for its fierce winds, lightning and sudden downpours. The IMD forecasts winds of 30-60 kmph, accompanied by thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall across South and North Bengal until May 6th, 2025. Google Trends shows surging searches for “Kalbaishakhi 2025,” “West Bengal weather alert,” and “storm safety tips,” reflecting public concern. On X, users are sharing updates like “Kolkata’s skies turning dark already.! Stay safe.!” (@BengalWeather, May 3th, 2025).

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Affected Districts and Weather Details,

·      Sunday, May 4th

o    High-Impact Areas: Murshidabad, Nadia, East Bardhaman, North and South 24 Parganas. Expect 40-50 kmph winds, thunderstorms and light to moderate rain.

o    Severe Weather Zones: Purulia, Bankura, West Midnapore, Jhargram, West Bardhaman and Hooghly may see 60 kmph gusts, hailstorms and thunderstorms. Kalbaishakhi-like conditions are likely.

o    Other Districts: 30-40 kmph winds with scattered rain and lightning, including Kolkata.

·      Monday, May 5th

o    High-Impact Areas: North and South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad and Nadia with 40-50 kmph winds and thunderstorms.

o    South Bengal: Scattered 40 kmph gusts and rain across most districts.

o    North Bengal: Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri will see heavier rainfall with Malda, North and South Dinajpur facing storms.

·      Tuesday, May 6th

o    South Bengal: 30-40 kmph winds, thunderstorms and rain with Murshidabad, Nadia and Hooghly at higher risk.

o    North Bengal: Continued rain and storms, especially in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri.

The weather is driven by a low-pressure trough extending from Rajasthan to North Bangladesh, passing through Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Another cyclonic circulation over North Bangladesh is intensifying the storm activity. The IMD warns of isolated hailstorms and lightning strikes, particularly in western districts like Purulia and Bankura.

Quotes

·      “Kalbaishakhi storms are unpredictable. Avoid open fields and secure loose objects,” advises Dr. Anita Roy, a meteorologist at the IMD Kolkata office.

·      “Lightning risks are high this week. Stay indoors during storms,” urges Sanjay Das, a disaster management expert.

·      “My village in Nadia faced power cuts last Kalbaishakhi. Stock up on essentials.!” shared an X user (@BengalRains, May 2nd, 2025).

Additional Information
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for South Bengal, urging residents to stay vigilant. North Bengal’s hilly districts, like Darjeeling and Kalimpong face risks of landslides due to heavy rain. According to a 2024 IMD report, Kalbaishakhi storms cause an average of 50 lightning-related deaths annually in West Bengal, emphasising the need for safety measures. Google Trends data highlights searches for “lightning safety” and “West Bengal storm preparedness,” indicating public demand for actionable advice.

·      Safety Tips

o    Stay Indoors: Avoid open areas, trees and metal objects during thunderstorms.

o    Secure Property: Anchor loose items like outdoor furniture to prevent wind damage.

o    Power Backup: Keep torches, power banks and emergency supplies ready for outages.

o    Monitor Updates: Follow IMD alerts via their website or apps like AccuWeather.

Residents can also check real-time updates on X where hashtags like #Kalbaishakhi and #BengalStorm are trending. Posts like “Bankura’s hailstorms damaged crops last year. Farmers, take precautions.!” (@AgriBengal, May 3rd, 2025) highlight community concerns.

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Impact Analysis
The storms could disrupt daily life, particularly in rural areas. Farmers in districts like Murshidabad and Nadia risk crop damage from hail and heavy rain, as seen in past Kalbaishakhi seasons. Urban areas like Kolkata may face waterlogging and traffic disruptions, with X users already reporting “Kolkata roads flood after 30 minutes of rain.!” (@CityPulseKol, May 3rd, 2025). Power outages are likely in storm-hit areas, especially in Purulia and Bankura where 60 kmph winds could down power lines. Lightning poses a significant threat, with the potential for injuries or fatalities if safety measures are ignored.

However, the rains may benefit water-scarce regions by replenishing reservoirs, as noted in a 2024 West Bengal government report on monsoon impacts. The storms could also cool temperatures, offering relief from early summer heat. Businesses, especially outdoor vendors, may face losses but digital platforms like X are helping communities share real-time tips, such as “Stock up on groceries before the storm hits.!” (@BengalUpdates, May 3rd, 2025).

West Bengal’s Kalbaishakhi storms this week demand preparedness to stay safe and minimise disruptions. With winds up to 60 kmph, lightning and possible hailstorms, residents across South and North Bengal must follow IMD alerts and safety guidelines. This guide, packed with high-volume keywords and X insights, equips you to navigate the severe weather confidently. Stay informed, stay safe and plan ahead.

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