KalimNews, May 24, 2025, Kalimpong: The southwest monsoon officially set in over Kerala today, marking the onset of the monsoon season across the Indian subcontinent. In alignment with seasonal changes, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a developing weather system that may bring widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to West Bengal over the coming days.
A cyclonic circulation currently persists over north coastal Odisha and adjoining regions at approximately 3.1 km above mean sea level, creating favourable conditions for storm activity across the state. In this context, a low-pressure area is likely to develop over the west-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal around May 27. Under its influence, heavy rainfall may begin from May 28 across multiple districts of South Bengal.
From May 24 through May 30, both South and North Bengal are expected to experience recurring thunderstorm activity accompanied by gusty winds, lightning, and rainfall of varying intensity. Specific forecasts indicate the likelihood of wind speeds ranging from 30–50 kmph, and isolated heavy rainfall between 7–11 cm in certain districts.
On May 24, districts across South Bengal may see thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching 30–40 kmph, while North Bengal districts including Malda, North Dinajpur, and South Dinajpur are also expected to receive similar weather conditions.
The forecast for May 25 highlights gusty winds reaching up to 50 kmph in districts such as Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, and East Burdwan in South Bengal. The same day, Malda and Dinajpur districts in North Bengal are expected to encounter comparable conditions.
By May 26, thunderstorms are likely to affect Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, and the 24 Parganas in South Bengal, with wind speeds around 30–40 kmph. Northern districts like North Dinajpur, Darjeeling, and Jalpaiguri may see higher wind speeds of 40–50 kmph along with moderate rain.
The trend continues on May 27 with similar storm activity expected across East and West Burdwan, Jhargram, and the 24 Parganas in South Bengal. On May 28, all districts of South Bengal are likely to witness thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall is particularly forecasted for South 24 Parganas and East Medinipur. In North Bengal, Coochbehar may also receive heavy rain.
The intensity is expected to peak on May 29 and 30. On May 29, heavy rainfall is forecasted for North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, and Jhargram in South Bengal, while Jalpaiguri and Coochbehar are likely to see similar weather in the north.
On May 30, East and West Burdwan, Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, Hooghly, and West Midnapore may experience heavy rain in the south, with northern districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Coochbehar, and Malda expected to receive substantial rainfall.
As a precaution, the IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into deep sea areas and along the coastal stretches of West Bengal and Odisha on May 28 and 29, due to squally weather with wind speeds between 35–45 kmph expected over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal regions.
Authorities warn of possible damage to standing crops, vegetables, and horticultural produce due to the expected rainfall and storm activity. There is also a heightened risk of lightning strikes, particularly in open fields, and potential traffic disruptions in urban areas. Residents are urged to seek shelter during thunderstorms, avoid taking refuge under trees or near electric poles, and stay away from water bodies to ensure safety.
Warning for North Bengal:
24-05-2025:
Thunderstorm with gusty wind (speed reaching 30-40 kmph), lightning and light to moderate rainfall likely to occur at one or two places over Malda, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur districts of North Bengal.
25-05-2025:
Thunderstorm with gusty wind (speed reaching 40-50 kmph), lightning and light to moderate rainfall likely to occur at one or two places over Malda, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur districts of North Bengal.
Thunderstorm with gusty wind (speed reaching 30-40 kmph), lightning and light to moderate rainfall likely to occur at one or two places over rest districts of North Bengal.
26-05-2025:
Thunderstorm with gusty wind (speed reaching 40-50 kmph), lightning and light to moderate rainfall likely to occur at one or two places over North Dinajpur, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts of North Bengal.
Thunderstorm with gusty wind (speed reaching 30-40 kmph), lightning and light to moderate rainfall likely to occur at one or two places over rest districts of North Bengal.
27-05-2025: Nil
28-05-2025:
Heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) likely to occur at one or two places over Coochbehar district of North Bengal.
29-05-2025:
Heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) likely to occur at one or two places over Jalpaiguri and Coochbehar district of North Bengal.
30-05-2025:
Heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) likely to occur at one or two places over Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Coochbehar and Malda district of North Bengal.
