After days of scorching heat, Bengal is set for a dramatic weather shift. A Kalbaishakhi storm is brewing, bringing thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds to six South Bengal districts and parts of North Bengal. Starting Sunday, expect cooler temperatures and heavy rain, offering relief from the ongoing heatwave. Here’s everything you need to know about this weather change, its impact and how to stay safe.

Details & Context

The unbearable heatwave gripping South Bengal, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in districts like Birbhum, Paschim Bardhaman, Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur and Malda is about to ease. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Kalbaishakhi alert, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, hail and winds of 50-60 km/h from Sunday to Monday. These storms, typical in Bengal during pre-monsoon months are caused by moisture-laden winds clashing with hot, dry air, creating intense weather systems.

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In South Bengal, districts like Birbhum, Purba Bardhaman, Murshidabad, Nadia and North 24 Parganas are likely to experience gusty winds and moderate rainfall. Kolkata too will see cloudy skies, lightning and stormy winds, though significant rain is expected only from Sunday. North Bengal including Darjeeling, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar is under a heavy rainfall warning, with 70-110 mm of rain predicted. Winds here could reach 40-50 km/h, especially in hilly areas.

Today, however, the heatwave persists. Kolkata’s daytime temperature is expected to hit 36°C, with night time temperatures at 28.3°C—2.5°C above normal. Humidity levels, ranging from 65-89%, are making conditions sticky and uncomfortable. The good news.? A gradual weather shift begins tonight, with major changes by Sunday.

Quotes

·      “The Kalbaishakhi storms are a double-edged sword. They bring much-needed relief from the heat but can cause damage with strong winds and hail. Residents should stay cautious,” said a senior IMD official.

·      “After three days of unbearable heat, I’m ready for some rain but I hope the storms don’t disrupt daily life,” shared Rina Das, a Kolkata resident.

·      “The weather is unbearably hot, It's getting hard to survive. Personally, I’m eagerly waiting for a rainy weather,” shared Debolina Chatterjee Pathak, a Kolkata Housewife.

Additional Information

Kalbaishakhi, also known as Nor’westers is a seasonal phenomenon in eastern India, particularly Bengal, Odisha and Assam. These storms are vital for cooling temperatures and aiding agriculture but can be destructive, uprooting trees, damaging crops and disrupting power lines. The IMD advises securing loose outdoor items, avoiding open fields during lightning and staying updated with weather alerts.

Weather Forecast Breakdown

·      South Bengal: Thunderstorms, hail and winds of 50-60 km/h in Birbhum, Purba Bardhaman, Murshidabad, Nadia and North 24 Parganas. Other districts may see winds of 40-50 km/h.

·      North Bengal: Heavy rain (70-110 mm) in Darjeeling, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar with gusty winds.

·      Kolkata: Cloudy skies today, with storms and rain from Sunday to Tuesday.

·      Temperature: Kolkata’s daytime high of 36°C today; expect a drop by Monday.

·      Humidity: 65-89%, adding to discomfort until rain arrives.

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Impact Analysis

The incoming Kalbaishakhi storms will bring both relief and challenges

·      Positive Impacts

o  Heatwave Relief: Temperatures will drop, easing discomfort for millions.

o  Agriculture Boost: Rainfall will benefit crops in rain-deficient areas.

o  Water Reservoirs: Heavy rain in North Bengal could replenish water sources.

·      Potential Risks

o  Infrastructure Damage: Gusty winds may uproot trees and disrupt power supply.

o  Crop Losses: Hailstorms could damage standing crops in South Bengal.

o  Safety Concerns: Lightning and heavy rain pose risks to outdoor workers and commuters.

Kolkata residents already exhausted by three days of oppressive heat will welcome the cooler weather but must prepare for stormy conditions. Rural areas, especially in North Bengal, face a higher risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall.

The Kalbaishakhi storms are a timely respite from Bengal’s blistering heatwave but they come with risks. From Sunday to Tuesday, South and North Bengal will experience dramatic weather changes, with thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds. Stay prepared by following IMD updates, securing property and avoiding unnecessary travel during peak storm hours. As Bengal transitions from sweltering heat to stormy skies, safety and preparedness are key.

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