Question

The local thunderstorms in West Bengal are known as _________.
A. Mango showers
B. Jet stream
C. Loo
D. Kaal Baisakhi

Answer 1

Hint: The apparent northward movement of the sun causes the global heat belt to shift northwards. This results in the hot weather season in India from March to May. The influence of the shifting belt can be seen clearly from the temperature recordings during this time at different latitudes.

Complete step-by-step solution:
The highest temperature in March is around 38℃, recorded on the Deccan Plateau. Temperatures in April are around 42℃ in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. In May, a temperature of 45℃ is common in the northwestern parts of the country. And in peninsular India, due to the moderating influence of the oceans, temperatures remain lower. In the northwestern part of the country, the summer months experience falling air pressure and temperature. In the region extending from the Thar Desert in the northwest to Patna and Chotanagpur plateau in the east and southeast, an elongated low-pressure area develops towards the end of May. During the month of May in northern India, dust storms are very common. Temporary relief is experienced with the onset of these storms as they lower the temperatures and may also bring light rain and a cool breeze. This is also the season for torrential downpours, often accompanied by hail, associated with violent winds, and localized thunderstorms. In West Bengal, such storms are known as ‘Kaal Baisakhi’.

Thus, option (D) is correct.

Note: Kaal Baisakhi brings destruction in terms of thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and rainfall. Despite being dangerous, this rainfall is extremely helpful for pre-Kharif crops like paddy, jute, and a large number of fruits and vegetables.