Storm, lightning and rain hit North Bengal, IMD predicts more rain & thunder in Jalpaiguri

A sudden and intense weather shift caught residents of North Bengal off guard late Wednesday night, as storm clouds gathered over Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, and surrounding areas. By early Thursday, thick black clouds had taken over the skies, accompanied by fierce winds, lightning, and torrential rain that disrupted daily life.

The wind speed reportedly reached up to 40 kilometers per hour, forcing residents indoors. Streets were empty and lights went out in several localities, with some areas plunging into complete darkness. With the abrupt drop in temperature, locals even reported a winter-like chill unusual for April, turning the atmosphere eerie and cold.

In cities like Siliguri and Jalpaiguri, the storm created a scene straight out of a monsoon month—clothes fluttering from balconies, trees bending in the gusts, and waterlogging in low-lying areas. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a forecast warning of sporadic rain accompanied by lightning over the next few days in North Bengal, particularly Jalpaiguri district.

By Thursday morning, Jalpaiguri was witnessing persistent heavy rain, dark skies, and continuous thunderclaps. Commuters were seen struggling with umbrellas and raincoats, while traffic movement slowed considerably due to waterlogged roads and reduced visibility.

Schools and local businesses opened late or remained shut in parts of the region as people chose to stay indoors. Social media filled up with visuals of heavy downpours and gusty winds, with many describing the storm as “unexpected and scary.”

Meteorologists suggest this unusual April storm may be part of an evolving pattern of climate variability affecting eastern India. More rain is expected through the weekend, with warnings issued for lightning strikes and temporary flooding in vulnerable zones.