Some important observations regarding the atmospheric pollutants and quantified values of meteorological parameters on pre-monsoon CG lightning and pre CG lightning days during pre-lockdown, lockdown and post-lockdown period in Kolkata, India

The present study deals with the change of atmospheric pollutants and quantified values of some meteorological parameters on pre-monsoon (March–May) thunderstorm cloud to ground (CG) lightning days in 0.3⁰× 0.3⁰ grid around Kolkata (22° 34' N, 88° 24' E), India, during the period 2019-2022. This includes the lockdown period 2020 and 2021 (partial lockdown). Rabindra Bharati and Victoria regions which are situated in and around Kolkata are chosen for the present study. The analysis reveals that the atmospheric pollutants, quantified values of meteorological parameters and pre-monsoon thunderstorm cloud to ground (CG) lightning flashes found are minimum during 2020 and 2021. Moreover, it is interesting to note that there is no structural difference present between total thunderstorm cloud to ground (CG) lightning and pre CG lightning days, so far the present data is concerned. Result also depicts that emission of the atmospheric pollutants in thunderstorm cloud to ground (CG) lightning days are always found to be higher in Rabindra Bharati region than Victoria. Not only that no significant relationship (linear or non-linear) exists either between the atmospheric pollutants and thunderstorm cloud to ground (CG) lightning or between the quantified values of meteorological parameters and thunderstorm CG lightning days.