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Kalbaisakhi: Odisha Gears Up for Pre-Monsoon Storm
Enhancing the early warning system by establishing robust, high-density observational networks (such as RADAR and Automated Weather Stations) and developing state-of-the-art region-specific weather models for precise and location-specific forecasts can mitigate the loss of life and property significantly.
Kalbaisakhi is termed as sudden increase of wind speed accompanied with rain, thunderstorm, lightning and hailstorm. Due to northerly movement of sun towards tropic of cancer, land mass gets heated and air mass rises up causing flow of moisture laden wind from Bay of Bengal resulting formation of Kalbaisakhi over Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam. Occasional Kalbaisakhi occur in March, April and up to 1st fortnight of May in coastal districts and nearby Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar whereas severity of Kalbaisakhi was experienced in interior districts and Coastal districts till onset of monsoon in night and early morning. Very seldom Kalbaisakhi occurs in the initial period of hot weather season in interior districts but now the situation has changed and you can realise the situation of Kalbaisakhi in March and April this year. We have observed intensified Kalbaisakhi in Jharkhand and West Bengal but their frequency is very low after 2009. When you see black dark cloud hovering, take shelter in a closed concrete building, don't take a bath, avoid the hilltop, or the sea-coast. River beach etc during Kalbaisakhi. If possible, practise a lightning drill that is sitting over your toes for a few seconds or a minute.
Former regional IMD centre director Sarat Chandra Sahu informed that he has witnessed one of the most intense Kalbaisakhi during the year 2005 -2008 that is Kalbaisakhi forming over Keonjhar and nearby Mayurbhanj move to Ganjam district covering most of the districts with high intensity. “I do not observe such high intensity Kalbaisakhi in the recent past as compared to between 2005 and 2008. Moreover, Kalbaisakhi is absent over West Bengal but low intensity Kalbaisakhi during hot weather season and monsoon season has increased in the recent past in climate change scenarios,” he adds.
He also explains how IMD is monitors and forecasts Kalbaisakhi. “IMD is monitoring Cloud signature in Doppler Weather Radar installed all over India with two numbers at Paradeep and Gopalpur in Odisha. Satellite cloud picture available every 15 minutes. Moreover, lightning detection systems are installed at many locations in Odisha with 14 Numbers in different districts of Odisha. IMD issues short range forecast for next 5 days and issue nowcasting for next three hours as and when bad weather occur. These warnings are disseminated through twitter, email, facebook and also electronic TV interviews,” adds former IMD director.
Dr Sandeep Pattnaik, Associate Professor, School of Earth Ocean and Climate Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar talked about the ecological impacts of Kalbaisakhi on forests, crops, and water systems. Sandeep says, “Kalbaisakhi has both positive and negative impacts on ecosystems. Intense wind conditions due to kalbaisakhi possess the potential to fracture branches or displace trees from their root systems, thereby causing significant alterations to the structural composition of forests. In addition, lightning strikes have the potential to initiate combustion in arid forested regions, particularly within deciduous forests.
At the same time, it facilitates the precipitation of early-season rain, which has the potential to rejuvenate arid sections of forested landscapes. Strong winds and hail storms can destroy standing crops. Kalbaisakhi storms helped immensely in providing respite from the intense summer heat. For example, repeated KB events in 2025 have kept the summer temperature of Odisha and neighborhood states under control compared to the catastrophic summer of 2024.”
The Associate Professor suggests a few ideas to mitigate the negative effects of Kalbaisakhi.
1) Enhancing the early warning system by establishing robust, high-density observational networks (such as RADAR and Automated Weather Stations) and developing state-of-the-art region-specific weather models for precise and location-specific forecasts with adequate lead time is essential. As these systems are rapidly evolving and exhibit a localized character, the implementation of an accurate early warning system has the potential to mitigate the loss of life and property significantly.
2) Early, continuous, rapid and effective mode of dissemination of these warnings in local languages to reach out to the vulnerable blocks/panchayats through mobile phones, sirens, etc.
3) Enhance rural housing regulations to endure elevated wind velocities (e.g., concrete roofing with deep foundational structures).
4) Incorporate Kalbaisakhi in disaster and mitigation plans at the block level. Conduct regular storm drills in vulnerable villages and schools. Formulate community response units that are proficiently trained in spreading awareness, first aid, evacuation procedures, and the rescue of animals. Location-specific tailor-made plans are required to deal effectively with these kinds of storms.
5) Encourage the development of crop varieties that exhibit resilience to storm conditions. Advocate for establishing crop insurance programs aimed at mitigating the economic repercussions agricultural producers face.
