Kolkata is expected to experience a change in weather as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Friday and Saturday, indicating thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds in the city and various parts of West Bengal.
According to the latest bulletin issued by the IMD, Kolkata is expected to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds of 40-50 km/h, along with light to moderate rainfall on March 20. The change in weather is likely to cause low visibility, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and disruption of traffic during peak hours.
While the maximum temperature is likely to range from 32-33 degrees Celsius, the minimum temperature is likely to remain close to 22 degrees Celsius. Weather conditions in Kolkata on Saturday will likely remain similar, and it will continue to experience rain and thunderstorms.
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Nor’wester conditions across Bengal
The weather department has forecast that Nor’westers (Kalbaishakhi) storms are likely to form in a number of districts between March 20 and 22. A squall line has formed over South Bengal, causing cloud formation and changes in wind patterns since early morning.
Districts such as Purulia, Bankura, East and West Bardhaman, Birbhum, Jhargram, and West Midnapore are expected to experience severe weather conditions. Gusts of wind are expected to reach a speed of 50-60 km/h, and hail is a possibility in these areas.
In the rest of South Bengal, wind speeds are expected to vary between 30 and 40 km/h, accompanied by rain and thunderstorms.
North Bengal to see heavy rainfall
The northern districts, which include Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar, are expected to receive high-intensity rainfall between Friday and Saturday. According to the IMD, these places are expected to receive 70-110 mm of rainfall along with thunderstorms and gusting winds.
Other places like North and South Dinajpur and Malda may experience similar conditions too.
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Outlook for the coming days
The rainfall activity may continue until March 21, after which the conditions may improve gradually. However, the city may experience cloudy skies with light rain from March 22 onwards, followed by partly cloudy skies between March 23 and March 25.
Residents are advised to remain alert during the changing weather conditions, especially during the afternoon and evening hours when the storm activity may increase.
