Kolkata, March 21 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an Orange Alert across 15 districts of West Bengal as a potent weather system builds up, threatening to bring thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible hailstorms starting Friday. The Alipore Meteorological Centre has warned of winds reaching speeds of 50–60 km/h in several parts of the state.
Southern Bengal Braces for Storms and Downpours
Districts in South Bengal, including Hooghly, East and West Midnapore, Bankura, and Jhargram, are expected to bear the brunt of the approaching storm system. IMD predicts heavy rainfall accompanied by high-velocity winds and hail in isolated regions. These weather conditions have prompted an Orange Alert, urging residents to remain indoors and prepare for disruptions in daily activities.
Even Kolkata, the state capital, is under a Yellow Alert as winds between 40–50 km/h are likely to sweep the city. The alert remains in place throughout Friday, with intermittent thunderstorms forecasted to continue into the weekend. Local authorities are advising citizens to secure loose items, avoid travel during peak storm hours, and stay tuned to official updates.
Northern Bengal to See Escalating Storms Through Saturday
In North Bengal, the IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for Friday and Saturday, with light to moderate rain and thunder expected to affect the region. Wind speeds of 30–40 km/h are forecasted, with the severity of storms likely to increase on Saturday. Regions like Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar may experience more intense weather as the system intensifies.
Meteorologists attribute the stormy conditions to humid winds blowing in from the Bay of Bengal, which are fueling Kalbaisakhi (Nor’wester) conditions—frequent during transitional seasons in Bengal. The resulting atmospheric instability is expected to continue disturbing weather patterns across both northern and southern Bengal.
Sea Remains Rough, Fishermen Advised to Stay Ashore
Due to strong winds and turbulence over the Bay of Bengal, IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea until at least Friday. The maritime warning comes as coastal regions brace for worsening weather, with possible rough seas and lightning strikes making fishing operations dangerous.
State on Weather Watch as Kalbaisakhi Intensifies
West Bengal’s weather department continues to monitor the system closely. Citizens are urged to stay informed through official channels and follow all precautions, especially in districts under Orange Alert. Authorities are also coordinating with disaster management teams to ensure preparedness for any emergency arising from the severe weather.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
