What is Nor’wester?

At least two people died and several others sustained serious injuries after a Nor’wester storm wreaked havoc in the Karanjia area of Mayurbhanj district. The sudden storm brought intense winds, heavy rain, and lightning, damaging houses and uprooting trees across the region.

Nor’westers are severe pre-monsoon thunderstorms that generally originate over eastern and northeastern parts of India, southern Nepal, adjoining Bhutan, and Bangladesh during the March–May pre-monsoon season.

These storms are locally called “Kalbaisakhi” in eastern India and are known for their sudden and violent nature. Nor’westers often produce:

• Heavy rainfall
• Lightning and thunder
• Hailstorms
• Dust storms and squalls
• Downbursts and occasionally tornadoes

In Assam, similar storms are locally referred to as “Bardoli Chheerha.”

Meteorologists note that Nor’westers play an important role in providing short but intense rainfall and temporary relief from pre-monsoon heat, though they frequently cause damage to crops, property, and infrastructure due to strong winds and lightning.