Kolkata, 05 June (H.S.) : Heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds lashed Kolkata and its suburban areas from early Friday morning, leading to waterlogging in several localities and providing temporary relief from the prevailing humid conditions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), widespread rainfall activity is likely to continue across at least six districts of South Bengal over the coming week, while several districts in North Bengal are expected to witness heavy rain.

The IMD has issued a weather alert for Kolkata for Friday, predicting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph.

From Friday through next Thursday, continuous spells of rain and thunderstorms are expected in North 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia districts. These regions are likely to experience scattered thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 40–50 kmph.

In Kolkata, Howrah, West Midnapore, and Jhargram, rainfall is expected to continue beyond Friday, although no specific weather warning has been issued for these districts at present. Hooghly district is likely to experience thunderstorms on Monday, while South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, and other coastal areas are expected to see intermittent rain activity on Sunday and Tuesday.

The weather department said that there will be no significant change in temperatures across South Bengal over the next week, despite ongoing rainfall activity. Sea conditions remain normal, and no advisory has been issued for fishermen at present.

The IMD also noted that the southwest monsoon has officially advanced into the country, entering Kerala slightly later than usual. While the normal onset date is June 1, the monsoon arrived three days late this year over the Indian mainland and is gradually progressing northward.

However, the weather office added that it may take until late June or early July for the monsoon to reach parts of North and East India.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh