Kolkata, 18 March (H.S.) : Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds and rainfall are likely to affect most districts of West Bengal on March 20 and 21 due to favourable weather conditions and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weather office has also warned of possible hailstorms in the western districts of Bankura, Purulia and Paschim Bardhaman on March 20. Similar conditions are expected in the north Bengal districts of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri on March 21.

The IMD has forecast thunderstorms with lightning and gusty surface winds across several parts of the state during this period. The changing weather pattern is attributed to moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal combined with local atmospheric conditions favourable for convective activity.

The Met office has predicted light to moderate rainfall in several districts of the state from Wednesday through March 23. The rainfall is expected to bring some relief from rising temperatures in parts of south Bengal while maintaining relatively cooler conditions in the northern districts.

Among temperature readings, the hill town of Darjeeling recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 7.6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday morning.

Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 24.2 degrees Celsius. The IMD has forecast a partly cloudy sky over the city till Thursday morning, with the possibility of changing weather conditions thereafter.

Weather officials have advised residents, particularly in districts likely to experience thunderstorms, to remain cautious during periods of lightning and strong winds.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh