Wet and Stormy Conditions Expected Across South Bengal

Agencies, March 28, 2026 : The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast a spell of unsettled weather across South Bengal, bringing a wet and stormy end to March. Over the coming days, the region is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, affecting both urban and rural districts.

The change in weather is primarily attributed to developing atmospheric systems over eastern India. Meteorologists have identified an upper air cyclonic circulation over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh, along with a trough extending from northwest Bihar to Manipur. In addition, strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify thunderstorm activity, creating favorable conditions for widespread rainfall across the region.

Beginning March 29, light rain or thundershowers are expected across all districts of South Bengal. On March 30, several districts—including Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, West Midnapore, East and West Burdwan, Birbhum, and Murshidabad—are likely to experience scattered rainfall at one or two places. Weather conditions are expected to intensify again on March 31, with moderate showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph across multiple districts.

The weather department has also issued an orange alert for several key districts, including North 24-Parganas, South 24-Parganas, Nadia, Howrah, Kolkata, and Hooghly. These areas may witness light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds reaching up to 50 to 60 kmph. Additionally, there is a possibility of hailstorms in districts such as Nadia, North 24-Parganas, and Hooghly.

From April 1, weather conditions are expected to gradually improve, although light rain or thundershowers may still occur in isolated districts such as Jhargram, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, and South 24-Parganas. A more stable pattern is likely to set in from April 2, with dry weather expected to prevail across South Bengal until at least April 3.

Kolkata and its surrounding areas are also set to experience a wet and stormy start to the period. On March 27 and 28, the city is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds of up to 50–60 kmph and occasional lightning. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures may remain close to 25 degrees.

Rain activity in Kolkata is expected to ease slightly on March 29, with only light showers in isolated areas. By March 30, conditions are likely to turn relatively drier, with clearer skies and a slight rise in temperature. However, a brief spell of light, scattered rain may return on March 31. From April 1 to April 3, dry and stable weather is expected to dominate the city, marking a transition toward more settled atmospheric conditions.

Beyond South Bengal, the impact of these weather systems will extend to neighboring regions. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha are expected to receive fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. In Northeast India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, scattered to widespread rainfall is likely between March 28 and 31, with isolated instances of heavy rainfall.

Overall, the forecast indicates a period of active weather marked by thunderstorms and fluctuating conditions before a gradual return to stability in early April. Residents are advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms, particularly in open areas, as lightning and strong winds may pose potential risks during this period.