Bengal Weather Alert: Rain Likely on Poila Baisakh, IMD Warns of Thunderstorms and Hail in Several Districts

By Staff Writer . Weather News . April 15, 2025

Kolkata, India — As West Bengal gears up to celebrate Poila Baisakh, the Bengali New Year, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert forecasting rain, thunderstorms, and hail in several parts of the state on Tuesday, April 16. The public is advised to stay cautious amid the festive preparations.

Western Disturbance and Trough Lines to Trigger Instability

According to the IMD, a new Western Disturbance is expected to enter Northwest India from April 16. Simultaneously, two trough lines — one stretching from Rajasthan to the Gulf of Mannar via Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, and another from Madhya Pradesh to Bangladesh via Jharkhand — are influencing weather conditions across eastern India.

As a result, Kolkata and almost all districts in South Bengal may witness thundershowers and lightning on Tuesday, possibly accompanied by hail in some areas.

Districts Likely to Be Affected

The districts of East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, and West Bardhaman are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms and potential hailstorms on April 16. On Wednesday, rainfall activity may ease slightly, and the likelihood of storms will reduce. However, the IMD predicts that rainfall intensity will rise again on Thursday and Friday, particularly across South Bengal.

North Bengal Also on Alert

Northern districts — from Darjeeling to Malda — are expected to witness light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds between Wednesday and Thursday. Wind speeds could reach 30 to 40 km/h, making local travel conditions temporarily hazardous.

Additionally, neighboring states like Odisha, Assam, and Meghalaya are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with wind speeds potentially reaching 50 km/h and risk of hailstorms in isolated areas.

Humidity to Persist Post-Rainfall

While some relief from the heat is expected due to rain, the IMD states there will be no significant drop in temperature. Once the skies clear, humid heat is expected to return, especially in southern parts of the state.