Question

Kaal Baisakhi belongs to which state from the following?

• A. Punjab
• B. Rajasthan
• C. West Bengal
• D. Bihar

Answer 1

Answer:

C. West Bengal

Nor'westers (Kalbaishakhi) and their association with West Bengal:

• Nor'westers, locally known as Kalbaishakhi (meaning 'storm of the month of Baisakh'), are pre-monsoon storm events that occur primarily in the northeastern states of India and Bangladesh.
• These storms are characterized by intense thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong gusty winds.
• The term 'Baisakh' refers to the fourth month of the Hindu solar calendar, typically falling between mid-April and mid-May, which is when these storms are most frequent.
• While these storms affect several regions, West Bengal is particularly known for experiencing the severe impacts of Kalbaishakhi.
• The associated meteorological phenomena include:
  • Convective activity: Driven by intense solar heating of the land surface during the hot pre-monsoon period.
  • Thunderstorms: Leading to lightning, hail, and squalls.
  • Associated Rainfall: Often brings much-needed relief from the heat, but can also cause localized flooding and damage.
• Impacts: These storms can cause significant damage to life and property, particularly affecting agriculture by damaging crops and orchards. They are also a crucial factor in the local climate of West Bengal during spring.
• Other Affected Areas: Assam, Odisha, Bihar, and parts of Bangladesh also experience these storms, though the intensity and local nomenclature might vary. In Assam, they are sometimes referred to as 'Bordoisila'.