Friday morning in Kolkata began with a familiar discomfort—the oppressive heat that had settled over West Bengal since the start of Boishakh. But by afternoon, the sky darkened over several districts, and the first signs of Kalbaisakhi emerged, bringing brief relief to some areas even as the storm’s approach signaled more to come.
Today, April 17, 2026, the India Meteorological Department’s Alipore office has confirmed that thunderstorm and rain activity will persist across the state, driven by a confluence of weather systems. A trough extending from southeast Rajasthan to Manipur, combined with a cyclonic circulation over northeastern Bangladesh and its surrounding areas, is channeling strong moist inflow from the Bay of Bengal into West Bengal.
This setup has created favorable conditions for Kalbaisakhi activity on both April 16 and 17, particularly in southern districts. Meteorologists note that while the storm activity may reduce temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in the affected areas, any relief will be short-lived. Temperatures are expected to rise again by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius after today, prolonging the cycle of heat and discomfort.
The Alipore Meteorological Office has issued a yellow alert for several districts, warning of squally winds reaching 30 to 40 km/h and the likelihood of light to moderate rain, sometimes accompanied by thunder. In Bankura, East and West Burdwan, Birbhum, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas, there is a strong possibility of thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching 50 to 60 km/h in one or two locations, along with lightning. In other southern districts, isolated gusts of 40 to 50 km/h may occur.
Separately, six southern districts—Bankura, Birbhum, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, and West Burdwan—have been placed under an orange alert due to the heightened risk of intense thunderstorm activity. Officials cite the potential for wind speeds between 50 and 60 km/h in these areas as the basis for the higher-level warning.
For Kolkata specifically, the forecast indicates cloudy skies throughout the day, with thunderstorms and light to moderate rain possible from the afternoon onward. Wind speeds in the city are expected to range between 30 and 50 km/h, with gusts potentially reaching higher levels in isolated spots.
The persistence of this pattern underscores the seasonal volatility of Boishakh in West Bengal, where the transition from dry heat to pre-monsoon instability brings both temporary respite and renewed strain on infrastructure and daily life. While the rain offers momentary cooling, the rapid return of high temperatures suggests little lasting relief in the immediate forecast.
What areas are under the highest thunderstorm alert today
Bankura, Birbhum, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, and West Burdwan are under an orange alert due to the risk of intense thunderstorm activity with wind speeds potentially reaching 50 to 60 km/h.
How long will the current spell of heat and storms last
While today’s storm activity may reduce temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, temperatures are expected to rise again by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius after today, with thunderstorm activity likely to continue in northern districts through Sunday.
What wind speeds are expected in Kolkata today
Kolkata is forecast to experience squally winds between 30 and 50 km/h today, with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms possible from the afternoon onward.