Kolkata, 16 March (H.S.): Thunderstorms accompanied by rain are likely in Kolkata and several districts of south Bengal, with wind speeds possibly reaching up to 70 kmph, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday.

According to the weather office at Alipore, gusty winds and thunderstorm activity similar to the seasonal Kalbaisakhi may occur in parts of south Bengal, though there is no forecast of heavy rainfall in the region.

The department also issued a warning of possible hailstorms in some districts of south Bengal. Scattered thunderstorms and light to moderate rain are expected across several districts, including Kolkata.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall is likely to continue in parts of north Bengal over the next few days, the Met office said.

On Monday morning, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 23.2 degrees Celsius, which was 0.6 degrees above normal.

The weather department has forecast the possibility of rain in the city later in the afternoon or evening, officials added.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey