Sat Mar 22 00:50:00 UTC 2025: ## West Bengal Braces for Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall

**Kolkata, March 20:** West Bengal is experiencing a sweltering heatwave despite scattered showers and thunderstorms, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting severe weather conditions in the coming days. While some areas have received brief spells of rain, including hail in certain locations, the intense heat continues to impact Kolkata and other districts.

The IMD forecasts heavy thunderstorms accompanied by lightning across South Bengal over the next 24 hours. High atmospheric moisture is contributing to the discomfort. The severe weather isn’t limited to the south; North Bengal also faces an increased risk of storms and heavy rain.

Friday (March 21st) is expected to see widespread thunderstorms and lightning across South Bengal, with potential for gusty winds (up to 60 km/h) and isolated hailstorms. The IMD warns of the possibility of Kalbaishakhi (pre-monsoon squalls) in several districts, including Bankura, Birbhum, Jhargram, East & West Medinipur, East & West Burdwan, Howrah, and Hooghly.

Saturday (March 22nd) will see higher chances of rainfall in Birbhum, East Burdwan, Murshidabad, Nadia, North & South 24 Parganas, and East Medinipur. Sunday (March 23rd) will see scattered showers across most of South Bengal. Light showers are also predicted for East Medinipur and South 24 Parganas on Monday (March 24th).

North Bengal will experience thunderstorms and lightning, with gusty winds (30-40 km/h) and the potential for hail in Malda, South Dinajpur, and Alipurduar. Scattered showers are anticipated across most of North Bengal on Sunday.

The IMD attributes this severe weather to active cyclonic circulations over Assam, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, along with two troughs extending from Madhya Pradesh to Odisha and Karnataka to Chhattisgarh. A new western disturbance is also expected to enter Northwest India’s mountainous regions on March 24th.

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