IMD Warns of Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Across Bengal and Sikkim Till May 23; Citizens Urged to Take Precautions

KalimNews, May 20, 2025, Kalimpong : A cyclonic circulation extending from central Pakistan to north Bangladesh, coupled with a trough running across regions including north Rajasthan, south Haryana, south Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal at about 0.9 km above mean sea level, is influencing the current weather pattern in eastern India. 

Additionally, an upper-air cyclonic circulation located over North Bangladesh and its surrounding areas at around 1.5 km altitude, along with a favourable wind pattern and significant moisture influx from the Bay of Bengal, is contributing to intensified thunderstorm activity accompanied by gusty winds and heavy rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive alert covering multiple districts in West Bengal and the entire state of Sikkim. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecasted in Sikkim, with the potential for flooding, landslides, and disruption of travel and essential services.

In South Bengal, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds have been reported over the last 24 hours in Murshidabad, East and West Burdwan, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Nadia, with wind speeds ranging between 30 to 39 kmph. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall has occurred in parts of the Coochbehar district in North Bengal.

The weather department warns of continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity in northern West Bengal, including Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Alipurduar, and Malda, with similar weather predicted for southern districts such as Purulia and Birbhum. Wind speeds may reach up to 60 kmph in certain areas, with rain amounts ranging from 7 to 11 cm.

For the period from May 20 to May 23, the IMD has issued day-wise forecasts. On May 20, thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph, lightning, and heavy rain are expected in North and South Dinajpur, with similar conditions in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Coochbehar. Light to moderate rainfall may occur in other districts.

On May 21, light to moderate thunderstorms and rainfall with wind speeds between 30–50 kmph are forecasted for North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Darjeeling. Isolated areas in Jalpaiguri and Coochbehar may experience heavy rainfall.

May 22 will likely bring thunderstorms and moderate rain to Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Coochbehar, while scattered heavy rain is also predicted in Alipurduar. The weather will remain unstable in other districts as well, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 kmph.

On May 23, similar patterns are expected to persist in North and South Dinajpur, and Malda, along with other parts of North Bengal.

The IMD has outlined several possible impacts from thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, including damage to standing crops, vegetables, and horticulture; risk of lightning strikes in open fields; damage to unsecured structures; traffic disruptions in urban areas; and potential landslides in hilly regions like Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

Residents are advised to stay indoors during thunderstorm activity, avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles, and remain away from water bodies. Authorities may regulate traffic as necessary to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

The meteorological office continues to monitor the evolving conditions and urges the public to stay informed through official channels and follow safety advisories.