Rain likely across Bengal over weekend, thunderstorms and hail alert issued

Rainfall activity is set to increase across both North and South Bengal over the weekend, with the Alipore Meteorological Department forecasting light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms in several districts. The change in weather comes shortly after the onset of the Hindu New Year, bringing relatively pleasant conditions before another spell of rain sets in.

According to the forecast, South Bengal is expected to witness light to moderate rainfall over the next 24 hours, with districts such as Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, East and West Medinipur, Purulia, and Nadia likely to be affected. Kolkata and surrounding areas may experience cloudy skies with occasional light rain, while temperatures are expected to remain largely stable.

The intensity of rainfall is likely to increase from Friday, with thunderstorms predicted across most parts of South Bengal on both Friday and Saturday. Some areas may also experience hailstorms during this period, raising concerns about short-term weather disruptions.

In North Bengal, districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, North and South Dinajpur, and Malda are also expected to receive rain and thunderstorms until Saturday. Weather conditions may worsen from Friday before gradually improving from Sunday, when rainfall activity is expected to decrease across the state.