Kalbaisakhi, heavy rain, and storms likely from Friday in Bengal; Heatwave alert continues in several districts

The regional weather office has issued an alert for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds across several districts of West Bengal, beginning Friday. The forecast includes the possibility of Kalbaisakhi storms, particularly in the districts of Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad. Wind speeds may range between 60 to 70 kilometres per hour, accompanied by lightning and short-duration heavy rainfall.

On Saturday, the alert extends to Kolkata and surrounding districts, with weather conditions likely to remain unstable. Though parts of South Bengal have already experienced unseasonal evening rain, daytime temperatures have remained consistently high. Daily life across urban and rural belts has been affected due to continued exposure to intense sunlight and high humidity during the day.

Heatwave warnings have been specifically issued for Paschim Medinipur, Paschim Bardhaman, and Birbhum on Wednesday and Thursday. Simultaneously, other districts including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, East and West Bardhaman, Murshidabad, and Bankura are expected to experience high humidity and heat. There is a possibility of isolated rain on Wednesday and Thursday, but temperature relief is unlikely to be significant.

In North Bengal, all districts are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall between Wednesday and Saturday. Wind speeds in the region may reach 30 to 50 kilometres per hour. Districts such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri are likely to receive heavy rainfall during this period. The combination of wind and rain could impact hilly and low-lying areas.

The southwest monsoon has already advanced to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 13, five days ahead of the usual schedule. The early arrival has increased the possibility of an earlier onset of monsoon in southern parts of West Bengal. However, no confirmed date has been issued yet for its advance into mainland Bengal.