IMD Issues Severe Thunderstorm and Hailstorm Warning for West Bengal

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a “Yellow Alert” for several districts in West Bengal, warning of enhanced thunderstorm activity and potential hailstorms over the next 48 hours. According to the latest bulletin from the Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore, a trough currently extends from Bihar to Gangetic West Bengal, intersecting with strong moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal. This meteorological combination is expected to trigger widespread rain and lightning strikes across both North and South Bengal.

For South Bengal, the IMD has highlighted districts such as Howrah, Hooghly, East Burdwan, Nadia, and the 24 Parganas as high-risk zones. Residents are warned of gusty winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph, which could lead to the breaking of tree branches and damage to thatched houses or unsecured structures. There is also a specific warning for hailstorms in one or two places over Bankura and East Burdwan. In North Bengal, hilly regions including Darjeeling and Kalimpong are expected to experience light to moderate rain, which could impact local transport and tourism.

The IMD has urged farmers to take immediate precautions to protect standing crops and horticulture from potential hail and wind damage. Citizens are advised to stay indoors during lightning activity and avoid taking shelter under trees or electric poles. Urban areas, including Kolkata, may face temporary traffic disruptions and waterlogging in low-lying spots. While the rain might provide temporary relief from the rising spring temperatures, the severity of the winds remains a primary concern for local disaster management teams who have been put on standby.