Enhance thunderstorm activity over the districts of West Bengal during 23rd -27th May, 2023

IMD, Kolkata, 23 May 2023: Due to likely formation of Cyclonic Circulation over Jharkhand and adjoining area around 23rd May and strong moisture incursion from Bay of Bengal, enhance thunderstorm with lightning activity along with gusty wind and Hail is very likely over the districts of West Bengal during 23rd May to 27th May,2023. 

Forecast: 

Rain/Thunderstorm very likely to occur at many places over the districts of West Bengal during 23rd - 27th May,2023. 

SOUTH BENGAL: WARNING (ORANGE): 23.05.2023 & 24.05.2023: 

Thundersquall with wind speed reaching (50-60 kmph) and lightning with Hail is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts. 

25.05.2023: Thunderstorm with lightning along with Gusty wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts. 

26.05.2023 & 27.05.2023: Thunderstorm with lightning along with Gusty wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of South Bengal. 

NORTH BENGAL: WARNING(ORANGE): 23.05.2023 & 24.05.2023: 

Thunderstorm with lightning along with Gusty wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph and Hail is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts. 

25.05.2023: (i)Thunderstorm with lightning along with Gusty wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts. 

(ii) Heavy rainfall(07-11 cm) likely at one or two places over Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar and Alipurduar districts. 

26.05.2023 & 27.05.2023: Thunderstorm with lightning along with Gusty wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of North Bengal. 

Possible Impact: 

1. Damage to standing crops and horticulture, Reduction of visibility. 

2. Damage to loose/unsecured structure. 

3. Land slide in hilly areas. 

Action suggested at the time of thunderstorm & lightning: 

1. Take shelter in safe place. 

2. Don't move in outside open area. 

3. Avoid taking shelter under tree/electric pole. 

4. Use Damini app for real time lightning alert. 

Note: District wise nowcast warning for thunderstorm will be given one or two hours in advance.