West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : fresh weather update, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorms and lightning in seven districts of West Bengal due to the influence of a cyclonic circulation over Bangladesh and adjoining areas. The alert covers North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, and Bankura. This sudden weather change comes as a sharp contrast to the prolonged heatwave conditions that recently gripped large parts of the state, especially in Gangetic West Bengal.

The IMD has attributed the anticipated thunderstorm activity to strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, which, combined with the prevailing cyclonic system, is likely to cause atmospheric instability. Gusty winds along with lightning and moderate to heavy rainfall are expected in the warned districts over the next 48 hours. Residents have been advised to remain cautious, especially during afternoon and evening hours, when thunderstorm activity is expected to peak.

This development follows an unusually hot April in West Bengal, with IMD noting that Gangetic West Bengal experienced the highest number of heatwave days in the last 15 years. The incoming thunderstorms are expected to bring some temporary relief from the sweltering heat, although authorities are urging people to take precautions against lightning strikes and sudden squalls. Local administrations have been alerted, and disaster response teams are on standby.

The weather department continues to monitor the system closely and has urged the public to stay updated through official bulletins. This weather change, while welcome by some, underscores the increasingly unpredictable climatic patterns affecting the region.