Which of the following is a local storm of Bengal and Assam, useful for tea and rice cultivation ?

The correct answer is Norwesters . Key Points Norwesters, locally known as "Kalbaisakhi" , are violent thunderstorms occurring in Bengal and Assam during the pre-monsoon season (March to May). These storms are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and occasional hail, which are beneficial for tea and rice cultivation in the region. Norwesters help replenish soil moisture, crucial for rice transplantation and tea plantation growth. The storms are most frequent in the late afternoons and evenings, often accompanied by lightning and thunder. These local storms are a unique weather phenomenon in eastern India, driven by the collision of dry northwesterly winds with moist southeasterly winds over the region. Additional Information Other Local Storms in India: Mango Showers: Pre-monsoon showers in Kerala and Karnataka, essential for mango ripening. Blossom Showers: Light rainfall in Kerala aiding coffee flowering in the Malabar region. Loo: Hot, dry winds blowing over northwestern India during summer. Impact of Norwesters: While beneficial for agriculture, they can cause significant damage to infrastructure due to strong winds and hail. These storms are responsible for cooling the region during hot pre-monsoon days. Formation of Norwesters: They occur due to the interaction of high-temperature conditions with moisture-laden winds, creating instability in the atmosphere. Regions Affected: Norwesters primarily impact West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and parts of Jharkhand and Bihar. Global Comparison: Similar storms, like "Tornadoes" in the United States, are created by atmospheric instability but are typically more intense.