Kolkata, 02 August (H.S.) : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread monsoon activity across West Bengal on Sunday, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in several districts of North Bengal and thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rain expected over most parts of South Bengal.

According to the IMD's Alipore Meteorological Centre, moisture-laden southerly and south-easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal are continuing to influence the state's weather, resulting in persistent rainfall across many regions.

The districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. The weather office has advised residents in the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions to remain cautious due to the possibility of landslides, waterlogging and a rise in river water levels.

In South Bengal, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Nadia, Murshidabad, East and West Bardhaman, Birbhum, Bankura, Purulia and Jhargram. Isolated heavy showers are also likely, and people have been advised to take precautions against lightning.

The IMD has forecast the maximum temperature in Kolkata and adjoining areas to remain between 31°C and 33°C, while the minimum temperature is expected to hover between 27°C and 28°C. Humidity levels are likely to remain high, between 80 and 90 per cent, resulting in humid conditions despite intermittent rainfall.

The weather department said the continuous inflow of moisture from the Bay of Bengal is expected to sustain rainfall activity across various parts of West Bengal over the next few days.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh