The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating a likelihood of storms and rains across several districts of West Bengal this week, coinciding with the beginning of the Bengali New Year.
On Wednesday, April 16, there is a possibility of rain in districts like Medinipur, Jhargram, Paschim Bardhaman, Purulia, and Birbhum. It is also noted that “some districts may experience rain with thunderstorms and rain will continue in South Bengal on Thursday and Friday as well.” The forecast indicates that thunderstorms and rains will continue in South Bengal on Thursday and Friday. Furthermore, gusty winds are likely to blow at a speed of 30 to 40 kmph.
Regarding Kolkata, while the sky over the city has been clear since Wednesday morning, the forecast suggests that “as the day progresses, partly cloudy skies may be seen in some places. There is a possibility of thunderstorms in the metropolis this evening or night. There may be thunderstorms in Kolkata (on Thursday and Friday) as well.”
The IMD states that “there is a possibility of storms and rains in the districts of North Bengal as well as South Bengal this week.” For Wednesday and Thursday, “there may be storms and rains in the hill districts of North Bengal, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, as well as Malda.”
The local forecast from Wednesday to Thursday afternoon for the reporting location (Panihati) predicts a partly cloudy sky, likely with rain or thunderstorms. “The maximum and minimum temperatures are most likely to be around 34˚C and 25˚C respectively,” the forecast read.
There is also a warning that “thunderstorms and flash floods are likely in several districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Malda.”
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also expected to experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers over the coming days. On Wednesday, a few areas may see some rain, and this is likely to increase on Thursday with many places also expected to see thunderstorms. By Friday, the Nicobar Islands are likely to see rain in many areas, while the Andaman Islands may get rain in a few spots. The rainy weather is expected to continue into Saturday, with a few areas across both island groups likely to receive light to moderate rain or thundershowers.