Question

Explain the following term.

Kalbaisakhi

Answer 1

1. Kalbaisakhi (also spelled Kalbaishakhi) are violent pre‑monsoon thunderstorms locally called nor’ westers that strike parts of eastern India and Bangladesh, especially West Bengal and Assam, during the month of Baisakh (April - May). They are characterised by sudden dark clouds, strong gusty winds, intense short‑lived rainfall, frequent lightning, and sometimes hail.
2. Meteorologically, these storms form when the very hot, low‑pressure air over the interior (often the Chota Nagpur Plateau) rises and collides with cooler, moisture‑laden westerly winds; the resulting strong updrafts produce thunderclouds that travel eastward and break violently over the plains. Kalbaisakhis typically last only an hour or two but can deliver torrential rain and damaging winds.