IMD issues orange alert for Bengal, Bihar as heavy rain, thunderstorms batter several districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for parts of West Bengal and Bihar on May 6, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning activity across several districts. The weather agency has also predicted strong winds in many regions as rain-bearing systems remain active over eastern and northeastern India.

According to the IMD, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is expected over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and the Northeast, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 60 kmph.

The weather office said, “Isolated to scattered thunderstorms, lightning & gusty winds (40-60 kmph) and isolated heavy rainfall likely over Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal for the next 6-7 days.”

Bengal districts under orange alert

In West Bengal, Purulia, Bankura, West Bardhaman, Birbhum and Murshidabad have been placed under orange alert for Tuesday. These districts are likely to witness intense rain spells along with thunderstorms and gusty winds. Meanwhile, Kolkata, Howrah, Coochbehar, Alipurduar, and several other districts remain under yellow alert.

Also Read | Kolkata sweats under scorching heat: Will Bengal see relief this week?

The IMD said, “Light to moderate rain/thundershower very likely to occur at most places over Purulia, Bankura, West Burdwan, Birbhum and Murshidabad districts and at many places over the rest of the districts of South Bengal with Thunderstorm, Lightning and gusty wind.”

Wind speeds may touch 50 to 60 kmph in the orange alert districts, while other parts of South Bengal may experience winds between 40 and 50 kmph.

Bihar braces for heavy showers

Several districts in Bihar are also expected to receive heavy rainfall on Tuesday. An orange warning has been sounded for Banka, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Kishanganj and Purnea. Residents in these areas may experience thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds reaching 50 to 60 kmph.

Apart from the orange alert districts, Araria, Jamui, Khagaria, Madhepura, Monghyr, Saharsa and Supaul are among the places under yellow alert.

Also Read | Stormy weather disrupts Delhi flights as rain brings relief from heat

Delhi likely to see cloudy skies

Delhi is expected to witness partly cloudy conditions with chances of thunderstorm activity by evening or night. Temperatures are likely to rise gradually over the next few days.

The IMD bulletin noted, “The minimum temperature will be appreciably below normal (-3.1C to -5.0C) at many places, and maximum temperatures will be appreciably below normal.”

Heatwave warning for Rajasthan

India, parts of Rajasthan are preparing for heatwave conditions between May 9 and 11. Hot and humid weather is also expected over parts of Gujarat, Konkan and Goa, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema in the coming days.