A sudden turn in weather could disrupt Sunday plans across South Bengal, as the Alipore Meteorological Department warns of intense Kalbaishakhi storms, heavy rain, and lightning in multiple districts, including Kolkata. With wind speeds expected to touch 60 km/h in some areas, authorities have issued an orange alert for five districts, signalling the risk of significant impact.
After a few days of relatively pleasant weather due to intermittent rain, conditions are set to deteriorate again. Meteorologists attribute the instability to a strong influx of moisture from the Bay of Bengal combined with a cyclonic circulation over the sub-Himalayan belt adjoining West Bengal. This interaction is creating a highly conducive environment for thunderstorms and squally weather across the region.
The districts likely to face the brunt include Bankura, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, North 24 Parganas, and Hooghly. These areas could witness strong gusty winds reaching up to 60 km/h, accompanied by intense lightning and heavy showers. Given the potential for damage—such as uprooted trees and power disruptions—an orange warning has been issued.
North Bengal is also expected to remain under the influence of unstable weather. Districts such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, and both North and South Dinajpur may experience rain with wind speeds of 30–40 km/h. The ongoing rainfall pattern is linked to a trough stretching from eastern Rajasthan to Jharkhand, along with favourable wind patterns in the lower atmosphere.
The unsettled weather is likely to persist into Monday. A yellow alert has been sounded for East Midnapore and North and South 24 Parganas, where thunderstorms with lightning are expected. Similar conditions are forecast in North Bengal as well.
According to the weather office, continuous moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal will keep conditions volatile over the next few days, raising the likelihood of recurring spells of rain and thunderstorms across West Bengal.
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