Nor’wester to hit Kolkata, thunderstorms and 60 kmph winds likely across South Bengal

Heatwave-like conditions continue to grip South Bengal, but relief is on the horizon as thunderstorms and rain are set to arrive over the weekend. The weather office has forecast Nor’wester or Kalbaisakhi conditions across the region, including Kolkata, bringing a significant drop in temperature after days of intense heat and discomfort.

According to the forecast, scattered rain and thunderstorms are likely to begin from Saturday, with more widespread activity expected from Sunday. Gusty winds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph are expected across several districts, while some areas—including North 24 Parganas, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia—may experience wind speeds reaching up to 60 kmph. Stormy conditions are likely to persist across South Bengal until Thursday.

The ongoing heatwave conditions, particularly in the western districts, are expected to ease gradually as rainfall activity increases. Temperatures are likely to remain steady for the next three days, followed by a gradual fall of 3 to 4 degrees due to consistent rain and thunderstorm activity. On Friday, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of around 36°C, with minimum temperatures remaining above normal levels.

In North Bengal, thunderstorms and rainfall are expected to intensify further. Heavy rainfall ranging from 7 to 11 cm has been forecast from Saturday in districts such as Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar. Strong winds of 40 to 50 kmph, occasionally touching 60 kmph, are also expected, with stormy weather continuing through the week.

Meteorological conditions indicate a cyclonic circulation over northeast Bangladesh and adjoining areas, along with a trough extending across Gangetic West Bengal to North Odisha. While dry winds from the west and northwest have contributed to the heat, localised thundercloud formation is now expected to trigger storms. Meanwhile, sea conditions are likely to remain normal until Saturday, but may turn rough on Sunday and Monday, prompting advisories for fishermen to avoid venturing into coastal waters during this period.