Kolkata, 04 June (H.S.): The Alipore Meteorological Department has forecast pre-monsoon rainfall across all districts of North Bengal until next Tuesday. According to the weather office, several districts in the region are likely to receive heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. In contrast, South Bengal is expected to continue experiencing hot and humid conditions, although scattered thunderstorms and light to moderate rain may occur intermittently.

Meteorologists said the rainfall in North Bengal is part of ongoing pre-monsoon activity. From Thursday through next Tuesday, districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar are expected to witness widespread showers, with heavy rainfall likely in some areas. Wind speeds may reach 40 to 50 kmph during this period. The rainfall is also expected to bring down temperatures by two to three degrees Celsius across the region.

Meanwhile, the weather department indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to enter Kerala on Thursday. It may also advance into parts of Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu. The monsoon has already reached the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Normally, the monsoon enters mainland India by June 1, but this year its arrival in Kerala has been delayed.

In South Bengal, however, hot and humid weather is expected to continue. Although thunderstorms and rain are likely on Friday and Sunday, weather officials do not expect any significant drop in temperatures. Gusty winds of 30 to 50 kmph accompanied by light to moderate rainfall and lightning activity are forecast in several districts.

The likelihood of thunderstorms and rainfall is higher in Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur. These districts may experience stronger weather activity over the coming days.

Kolkata is also expected to remain hot and humid, though scattered thunderstorms and brief spells of rain are likely in the city and adjoining areas. Weather activity is expected to intensify between Friday and Sunday across Kolkata and neighboring districts.

On Thursday, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 29.8 degrees Celsius. According to the weather department, despite the possibility of rainfall in South Bengal, temperatures are likely to remain largely unchanged, and residents may continue to face uncomfortable humidity levels.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey