Kolkata, 11 June (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms and rain across several districts of South Bengal, while issuing a heavy rainfall warning for parts of North Bengal where the southwest monsoon has already advanced.

Although the monsoon has yet to fully cover South Bengal, rain and gusty winds that swept across Kolkata and several adjoining districts on Wednesday evening provided temporary relief from the prevailing humid conditions. Meteorologists, however, said the discomfort associated with high humidity is likely to persist over the coming days.

According to the weather office, a strong trough extending from eastern Bihar to the northwestern Bay of Bengal is passing over Gangetic West Bengal. In addition, a cyclonic circulation remains active over Uttar Pradesh. The combined influence of these weather systems is expected to enhance rainfall activity across the state.

Weather conditions in South Bengal are likely to remain partly cloudy on Thursday, with sunshine during the morning hours. However, cloud cover is expected to increase as the day progresses, and several districts may experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds during the afternoon and evening.

The IMD has forecast thunderstorms with rain in Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly and Purba Medinipur. Rainfall is also likely in Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum and Murshidabad districts.

Wind speeds in some of these areas may reach 70 to 80 kmph during thunderstorms. Residents have been advised to remain indoors or move to safe shelters during severe weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel.

Despite the expected rainfall, meteorologists do not anticipate a significant drop in temperatures. While showers may provide temporary relief, humid weather conditions are expected to continue across much of South Bengal.

In North Bengal, where the monsoon is currently active, heavy rainfall is likely in several districts. The weather office has issued heavy rain warnings for Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Uttar Dinajpur and Dakshin Dinajpur.

These districts may also experience gusty winds with speeds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph. However, according to the latest forecast, the intensity of heavy rainfall in North Bengal may begin to decrease from Sunday onwards.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh