IMD Warns of Intensifying Thunderstorms Across West Bengal; Kolkata to Get Rain Today
IMD warns thunderstorms and lightning are likely across West Bengal districts, including Kolkata, today.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of intensified thunderstorm activity across West Bengal on April 9, 2026, as residents brace for widespread rain, gusty winds, and possible lightning strikes. The advisory highlights light to moderate rainfall over Kolkata, East Midnapore, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, and Nadia, while isolated thunderstorms may occur across other South Bengal districts. Winds could reach 30–40 km/h, creating potential hazards in urban and rural areas.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata, the current weather pattern is driven by an east–west trough extending from northwest Uttar Pradesh to Manipur coupled with an upper air cyclonic circulation over Chhattisgarh. These factors have created favourable conditions for widespread thunderstorms across the state. The IMD press release issued on April 8 noted, “Due to favourable wind patterns and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, enhanced thunderstorm activity is very likely over some districts of West Bengal during 08–09 April 2026.”
North Bengal Outlook: Several districts, including Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar, are expected to witness fairly widespread rain and thundershowers. Isolated thunderstorms in these areas may be accompanied by lightning and wind speeds of up to 50 km/h. Light to moderate rainfall is forecast to continue in Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and other northern regions from April 10 to 14, providing much-needed moisture but also posing potential risks for landslides in hilly areas.
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Forecast For South Bengal: Weather conditions are likely to improve gradually from April 10, with rainfall becoming more isolated. Dry weather is expected to prevail in most districts between April 11 and 12, allowing normal daily activities to resume. Daytime temperatures are forecast to remain largely unchanged on April 9, followed by a gradual rise of 4–6°C across the state over the next four days.
Precautionary Measures: The IMD has warned that thunderstorms may lead to lightning strikes, damage to temporary structures, uprooting of trees, and disruptions to power and communication lines. Standing crops could also be affected, while reduced visibility may impact road and rail traffic in urban and semi-urban areas. Residents are advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles, and keep away from water bodies. Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea along the West Bengal and north Odisha coasts over the next 24 hours due to squally winds reaching up to 60 km/h.
As the monsoon-like conditions temporarily sweep across the state, authorities have urged vigilance, particularly for commuters, farmers, and coastal communities, to minimise risks associated with sudden storms and high-speed winds.
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