Due to a formation of a cyclonic circulation over Jharkhand and adjoining areas around May 23 and strong moisture incursion from Bay of Bengal, enhanced thunderstorm with lightning activity along with gusty wind and hailstorm is very likely over the districts of West Bengal during May 23 to 27, said the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) this afternoon.
Rain and thunderstorms have been predicted in several areas in West Bengal.
South Bengal has been put on orange alert by the Met office. On May 23 and 24, thundersquall with wind speed reaching (50-60 kmph) and lightning with hail is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts in south Bengal.
On May 25, thunderstorm with lightning along with gusty wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts while between May 26 and 27, thunderstorm with lightning along with gusty wind speed of 40-50 kmph may occur at one or two places over the districts of south Bengal.
North Bengal is also under orange alert and thunderstorm with lightning along with gusty wind speed reaching 30-50 kmph and hailstorm is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts between May 23 and 27.
There is also heavy rainfall (07-11 cm) on the cards at one or two places over Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts.
The Met office, in its special bulletin has stated the following precautions to be taken while thunderstorm and lightning activities.
1. Take shelter in a safe place.
2. Don't venture out in the open.
3. Avoid taking shelter under a tree/electric pole.
4. Use the Damini app for real time lightning alerts.
