Thunderstorms And Rain Forecast in Bengal on Crucial Vote Counting Day
Thunderstorms and rain expected across South Bengal till May 5, affecting vote counting day conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued thunderstorms and rainfall across South Bengal, including Kolkata, until May 5, with weather conditions expected to coincide with the vote counting day for the West Bengal Assembly polls on Monday. According to the weather department, several districts in South Bengal have already been experiencing thunderstorm activity since April 29, accompanied by intermittent rain.
Officials said the ongoing weather system has led to a noticeable drop in both minimum and maximum temperatures across the region. However, high humidity is expected to keep daytime conditions warm and uncomfortable, with relief likely only in the evenings due to gusty winds.
The IMD has attributed the weather activity to a cyclonic circulation extending from north Haryana to Manipur, passing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Bangladesh, and Assam. This system is drawing significant moisture from the Bay of Bengal, creating favourable conditions for thunderstorms and rainfall across large parts of eastern India, particularly West Bengal.
As per the forecast, Kolkata is likely to remain under cloudy skies on Saturday, with chances of light to moderate rain and thunderstorms developing by evening. A thunderstorm warning has also been issued for several districts, including East Midnapore, Hooghly, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Nadia. In view of adverse sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until May 3.
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The weather conditions are expected to persist through Monday, when vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections will take place across 77 counting centres in the state. Officials have indicated that rainfall and thunderstorms could potentially affect travel and logistical arrangements, although no major disruptions have been officially confirmed so far.
In North Bengal, including hilly districts such as Darjeeling and Kalimpong, the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall over the next four days, along with thunderstorms. Scattered hailstorms and thundershowers are also likely in other parts of the state, with authorities closely monitoring conditions amid the continuing weather system.
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