West Bengal Split Between Heat and Storms: North Faces Heavy Rains, South Braces for Severe Weather

The India Meteorological Department has issued fresh weather alerts across West Bengal as a powerful moisture surge from the Bay of Bengal and an active cyclonic circulation trigger sharply contrasting conditions in the northern and southern parts of the state. While several North Bengal districts are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall over the coming days, South Bengal is likely to continue facing intense heat along with scattered thunderstorms and lightning activity.

According to the IMD, the weather system is being driven by a cyclonic circulation extending from northwest Uttar Pradesh to interior Odisha at an altitude of nearly 1.5 kilometers above mean sea level. The system is drawing significant moisture into eastern India, increasing instability across the region. Officials warned that the interaction between high humidity and rising temperatures could create dangerous weather conditions, particularly in districts vulnerable to flooding, lightning strikes, and heat-related illnesses.

Districts including Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar have been placed on alert for very heavy rainfall ranging between 7 and 20 centimeters from Saturday onward. Hill districts such as Darjeeling and Kalimpong are also expected to receive substantial rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Weather officials cautioned that continuous rainfall in these regions could lead to waterlogging, landslides, and disruptions in transport services.

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Meanwhile, South Bengal districts, including Kolkata and surrounding urban areas, are expected to experience oppressive humidity, high daytime temperatures, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Meteorologists said thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour are likely in several districts over the weekend. Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors during lightning activity and avoid unnecessary travel during storm warnings.

Health officials have also urged vulnerable groups, particularly infants, elderly citizens, and people with pre-existing health conditions, to take precautions against both dehydration and lightning-related risks. Doctors warned that the combination of intense heat and sudden weather changes can increase the likelihood of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and respiratory complications. Citizens have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, and monitor official weather updates regularly.

The IMD expects the unstable weather pattern to continue through the next several days as the moisture-laden system remains active over eastern India. Disaster management teams and local administrations in sensitive districts have been placed on alert to respond to any emergencies caused by flooding, strong winds, or severe thunderstorms. Officials said continuous monitoring of the developing weather system is underway as authorities prepare for possible disruptions across both North and South Bengal.

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