Enhanced Thunderstorm Activity Forecasted Across North and South Bengal

KalimNews, March 25, 2026, Kalimpong: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for enhanced thunderstorm activity across the districts of North and South Bengal over the coming week. Favourable wind patterns combined with strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal are contributing to unstable weather conditions, leading to increased chances of rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in multiple regions. Residents are advised to remain cautious and take necessary precautions.

North Bengal Forecast and Warnings

March 25, 2026: Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected at a few places over Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Coochbehar, and Alipurduar, with thunderstorms and lightning possible at one or two locations. Light rain or thundershowers may also occur at one or two places in other North Bengal districts.

March 26, 2026: Isolated light rain or thundershowers likely over Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Coochbehar, and Alipurduar. Dry weather expected elsewhere. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph are possible at one or two places in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Kalimpong.

March 27, 2026: Light to moderate rain or thundershowers expected at most places in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Coochbehar, and Alipurduar, with a few showers over other districts. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 50–60 kmph may occur at one or two places in the northern districts. Possibility of hail at one or two places over Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) is expected at one or two places over Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph are likely over Malda, North, and South Dinajpur.

March 28, 2026: Light to moderate rain or thundershowers at most places in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Coochbehar, and Alipurduar, and at many places across other districts. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph may occur at one or two locations in the northern districts.

March 29, 2026: Light to moderate rain or thundershowers at a few places, with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph expected at one or two locations in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Coochbehar, and Alipurduar.

March 30, 2026: Isolated light rain or thundershowers in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Coochbehar, and Alipurduar. Dry weather expected across remaining districts.

Possible Impacts for North Bengal are risk of lightning strikes, particularly in open fields, damage to thatched houses, huts, unsecured structures, and flying metal sheets, breaking of tree branches and potential damage to power and communication lines, harm to standing crops and horticulture, and reduced visibility and potential traffic disruptions.

South Bengal Weather Outlook and Safety Advisory: March 25–30, 2026

South Bengal is expected to experience intermittent rain and thunderstorms over the coming week, with varying intensity across districts. From March 25 to 26, 2026, light rain or thundershowers are forecasted at one or two locations in Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, and West Midnapore, while the remaining districts are likely to witness dry weather.

The situation is expected to intensify on March 27, when light to moderate rain or thundershowers are very likely at many locations in Bankura, Purulia, West Burdwan, and Jhargram, with a few showers in other districts. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph are expected at one or two locations in these districts, while wind speeds of 30–40 kmph may occur in other areas.

On March 28, widespread light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected across most districts of South Bengal. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph are likely at one or two locations. On March 29, isolated light rain or thundershowers are expected, with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph at one or two locations. By March 30, light rain or thundershowers may occur at one or two places in East and West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Bankura, and Nadia, while the rest of the region is expected to remain dry.

Possible Impacts (March 27–28, 2026) are lightning strikes, particularly in open fields, pose a significant risk and reduced visibility and traffic disruptions are likely in urban areas, potentially affecting daily commuting.

Safety Recommendations are to seek shelter in secure areas during thunderstorms, lightning, hail, or heavy rainfall, to avoid taking cover under trees, near electric poles, or other unsecured structures, and stay away from water bodies and exercise caution while traveling; traffic movement should be carefully managed to prevent accidents.

Residents of South Bengal are advised to stay alert, monitor weather updates, and follow safety precautions to minimize risks during this period of unstable weather.