The India Meteorological Department has issued a rain and thunderstorm alert for Kolkata and several districts of South Bengal ahead of the second phase of elections on April 29, warning of gusty winds and Kalbaisakhi activity.
Storm alert for polling day
According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, a cyclonic circulation is driving the expected change in weather. Rain and thunderstorms are likely across South Bengal, with winds reaching 40–50 km/h, and in some areas, up to 50–60 km/h.
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Officials said weather conditions will begin shifting from Saturday, with rainfall activity increasing from Sunday and continuing through Thursday. A Kalbaisakhi forecast has been issued for the entire region, and an alert is already in place.
District-wise warning
On Saturday, districts including North 24-Parganas, West Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, East Bardhaman, West Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia are likely to experience storms and rain, while other areas may remain dry.
From Sunday, stronger storm activity is expected across Kolkata and the rest of South Bengal. An orange alert has been issued for several districts, with wind speeds projected between 50 and 60 km/h, while other areas may see winds of 40–50 km/h.
Despite the incoming rain, conditions are expected to remain hot and humid, especially during the afternoon on polling day. Before the weather shifts, districts such as Purulia, Bankura and West Bardhaman remain under heatwave alert due to prevailing high temperatures.
North Bengal outlook
In North Bengal, rain and thunderstorms are also expected to continue until Thursday. Districts such as Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri may receive heavy rainfall. Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar are also likely to see thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 50–60 km/h.
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Authorities have issued warnings across affected regions as weather activity intensifies.
