Kolkata weather: IMD issues yellow warning for March 17 amid expectations of thunderstorms; check details

Residents of Kolkata should brace for heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds on March 17, as the India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for the city and several districts across West Bengal.

Several parts of West Bengal recorded significant rainfall over the past 24 hours, with the highest precipitation reported in the districts of Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri in north Bengal, according to a recent IMD press release.

According to the India Meteorological Department, Sankos Tea Estate in Alipurduar recorded the highest rainfall at 16 cm, followed by Kumargram Tea Estate with 13 cm and Newlands Tea Garden and Bhutanghat with 12 cm each. Other areas such as Chengmari/Diana in Jalpaiguri received around 5 cm of rainfall.


In south Bengal, rainfall was comparatively lower, with Tusuma in Purulia receiving 3 cm. Kharidwar in Purulia and Kansabati Dam in Bankura recorded 2 cm each, while several other locations across the region received around 1 cm.

The IMD has forecast continued unsettled weather across south Bengal over the coming days. On March 17, light rain or thundershowers are likely at isolated places, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph in districts including North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Jhargram and West Midnapore.

Light rain is expected at isolated locations on March 18 across districts such as Purulia, Bankura, East and West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia, while dry weather is likely elsewhere in the region.

From March 19, rainfall activity is expected to increase again, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers likely at several places in Jhargram, West Midnapore, Purulia, East and West Burdwan, Birbhum and Murshidabad. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph are also possible.

On March 20, widespread rain and thunderstorms are forecast across many districts, with gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph in places such as Purulia, Bankura, East and West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia.

Similar weather conditions with rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph are likely to persist across south Bengal on March 21 before easing slightly on March 22, when light rain is expected at isolated locations in Purulia, Bankura, East and West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia.

The IMD has warned of possible lightning strikes, damage to weak structures and huts, falling tree branches, disruption to power and communication lines, and damage to standing crops. Reduced visibility and traffic disruption in urban areas are also possible.

Residents have been advised to take shelter in safe places during thunderstorms, avoid standing under trees or electric poles, stay away from water bodies, and follow traffic advisories during periods of intense rain and lightning.

Date	Min Temp (°C)	Max Temp (°C)	Weather Forecast
17 Mar	24.0	33.0	Generally cloudy sky with light rain
18 Mar	25.0	34.0	Partly cloudy sky
19 Mar	25.0	34.0	Partly cloudy sky with possibility of thunder/lightning
20 Mar	23.0	34.0	Rain or thundershowers with strong gusty winds
21 Mar	23.0	32.0	Partly cloudy sky with possibility of moderate rain or thunderstorm
22 Mar	24.0	33.0	Partly cloudy sky