Kolkata, April 5 – West Bengal is currently grappling with a severe rainfall shortage, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a 44% deficit in precipitation over the past month. The shortfall has raised concerns across districts, especially as pre-monsoon showers and seasonal thunderstorms like Kalbaishakhi have remained largely absent despite forecasts.
Districts Severely Affected by Rainfall Deficit
According to the IMD’s Alipore observatory, South Dinajpur recorded a 100% rainfall deficit, making it the worst-hit district. Malda followed closely with a 98% deficit, and Kolkata itself received 87% less rain than expected. Other severely affected districts include:
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North 24 Parganas: 80% deficit
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Hooghly: 90% deficit
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Howrah: 60% deficit
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Nadia: 75% deficit
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North Dinajpur: 84% deficit
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Jalpaiguri: 76% deficit
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Darjeeling: 78% deficit
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Kalimpong: 86% deficit
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Alipurduar: 84% deficit
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Cooch Behar: 90% deficit
This unusual dry spell in both North and South Bengal has raised alarms for agricultural productivity and water resource management.
Light Rain and Thunderstorms Forecast Starting Monday
Despite the ongoing deficit, IMD has forecast light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms in several districts of South Bengal starting Monday. Scattered showers with wind speeds ranging from 30 to 40 km/h are likely in Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, East Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia.
Additionally, North Bengal is expected to see showers from Sunday onwards in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. Cooch Behar and Malda may also experience rainfall and gusty winds, with speeds reaching up to 50 km/h.
Temperature Trends Remain Stable
The IMD has clarified that despite the anticipated rainfall activity, no significant change in daytime temperatures is expected across North and South Bengal. Temperatures will continue to hover around normal seasonal levels, providing slight relief amid the ongoing dry conditions.
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.
