• Moumi Mousumi
• 29 Apr, 2025

After days of sweltering heat, West Bengal is finally getting some relief—but it comes with a twist. The Alipur Weather Office has issued a storm alert for Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds up to 50 kmph across South and North Bengal. From Kolkata to Nadia, every district is on high alert for turbulent weather, with conditions possibly escalating to Kalbaisakhi-like storms by Wednesday and Friday. Stay prepared as the Bay of Bengal stirs up rough seas and potential tidal surges along the coast.

Details & Context
The Alipur Weather Office reports a dynamic weather shift driven by multiple cyclonic circulations over Rajasthan, Northeast Assam, Bangladesh and the Comorin area. These systems, combined with a fresh western disturbance entering Northwest India by May 2nd are fuelling intense weather across West Bengal. South Bengal including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly and Nadia will see light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and winds of 30-50 kmph on Tuesday. The forecast warns of scattered Kalbaisakhi storms, hail and lightning, particularly on Wednesday and Friday which could disrupt daily life.

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North Bengal, including Darjeeling and Malda is also under a storm watch, though the intensity may ease slightly by Wednesday. Friday, however, could bring renewed vigor with winds up to 50 kmph and moderate rainfall. Coastal areas face additional risks with rough seas and potential tidal surges prompting a ban on fishing activities. Recent posts on X highlight severe thunderstorm warnings, with gusts possibly reaching 75 kmph in districts like West Medinipur and Purulia, underscoring the urgency of staying vigilant.

This weather pattern follows Monday’s dramatic storms, which cooled temperatures to a low of 19°C across South Bengal, offering respite from weeks of oppressive heat. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts this stormy spell will continue through the week, with Friday being a peak day for disruptions.

Quotes

·      “We’re seeing a convergence of cyclonic systems that’s driving this stormy weather. Residents should avoid open areas during lightning and secure loose objects,” said an Alipur Weather Office spokesperson.

·      “Kolkata’s streets were flooded last night and it looks like more is coming. Stay safe and indoors if possible,” posted @StormMetAlert on X, reflecting public concern.

·      “The sea is too rough for fishing. We’ve been warned to stay off the water until conditions stabilise,” shared a fisherman from East Medinipur.

Additional Information
The IMD has issued an orange alert for South Bengal, warning of potential damage to crops, thatched homes and infrastructure due to hail and gusty winds. Districts like East Burdwan, West Medinipur and North 24 Parganas are particularly vulnerable. In North Bengal hill areas like Darjeeling may see lighter rain but face risks from gusty winds. The Alipur Weather Office advises residents to,

·      Avoid standing under trees or near power lines during storms.

·      Secure outdoor items like furniture or signage.

·      Stay updated via local weather apps or radio broadcasts.

X posts reveal real-time updates, with @WeatherRadar_IN noting active thunderstorms over Kolkata and Durgapur on April 29, urging residents to prepare for heavy showers. The forecast aligns with recent trends of intense Nor’westers (Kalbaisakhi), a seasonal phenomenon that brings sudden, powerful storms to Bengal.

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Impact Analysis
The stormy weather could have mixed effects. On one hand, it’s a welcome break from the heatwave with temperatures dropping significantly. However, the risks are substantial,

·      Agriculture: Mature rabi crops and vegetables face damage from hail and strong winds, potentially affecting farmers’ livelihoods.

·      Infrastructure: Flooding in low-lying areas like Kolkata and Howrah could disrupt traffic and public services.

·      Coastal Communities: The fishing ban and tidal surge risks may strain local economies dependent on marine activities.

·      Public Safety: Lightning strikes, a leading cause of weather-related injuries in Bengal, pose a significant threat during these storms.

Social media engagement on X shows heightened public awareness, with hashtags like #WestBengalWeather and #KolkataRain trending as users share videos of flooded streets and lightning strikes. This reflects both concern and the need for timely updates.

West Bengal’s weather is taking a dramatic turn, with thunderstorms, gusty winds and lightning set to dominate through Friday, May 2nd, 2025. While the rain brings relief from the heat, the risks of flooding, crop damage and lightning strikes demand caution. Kolkata, Nadia and other districts must stay prepared, especially on Wednesday and Friday when Kalbaisakhi storms could peak. By following safety guidelines and staying updated, residents can navigate this turbulent weather safely.

Call to Action (CTA)
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