Kalbaisakhi Alert: Heavy Storms and Rain to Lash Kolkata and Suburbs
The Alipore Meteorological Department has declared a high-alert warning classified as “Orange” as a powerful Kalbaisakhi (Nor’wester) is poised to hit the city of Kolkata and its adjoining suburban districts this evening.
It has been confirmed by the weather department that a cyclonic circulation over southern West Bengal, accompanied by high moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, has provided a perfect opportunity for a severe thunderstorm. The people of this region can expect heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with frequent lightning strikes.
The intensity of this thunderstorm is expected to be most pronounced over:
- Kolkata and Howrah
- North and South 24 Parganas
- Hooghly and Nadia
Gale winds are expected to reach a speed of 50-60 km/h, and isolated areas can expect a speed of 70 km/h. A special warning for hailstorm occurrence has been issued for the districts of Nadia and North 24 Parganas.
The sudden change in weather has provided a welcome respite from the scorching heat wave that the city has been experiencing over the last few days. The maximum temperature in the city, which was already at a steady 36 degrees Celsius, is expected to dip by as much as 5 degrees Celsius in the aftermath of the squall, settling at a comfortable 31°C to 32°C.
The State government and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) have issued the following advisory to the public:
- To take immediate shelter during the peak of the storm.
- To avoid taking shelter under trees, electric poles, or dilapidated buildings.
- To expect disruptions in suburban train services and flights from the NSCBI Airport owing to poor visibility.
