IMD forecasts heavy rain in north Bengal, hot, humid conditions in south

Heavy rainfall is forecasted in northern West Bengal until May 26, while hot and humid conditions are expected in southern districts with possible thunderstorms and gusty winds.

The IMD on Friday forecast heavy rainfall in the northern part of West Bengal till May 26, while hot and humid conditions are likely over several districts in the southern region.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds will occur in some southern districts, including Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia and Paschim Bardhaman districts till May 27, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

In view of favourable wind patterns and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely to occur in north Bengal, it said.

Heavy rain, with downpour at one or two places, is likely to occur in the north Bengal districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Uttar Dinajpur till May 26, the Met office said.

Kolkata will experience hot and humid conditions with the likelihood of light rain in the evening, the IMD said in Friday's forecast for the city.

The city recorded a minimum temperature of 29.8 degrees Celsius, nearly three notches above normal, it said.

Apart from Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur (38 mm), Alipurduar (36 mm) and Darjeeling (9.2 mm), nil or negligible rainfall was recorded in the other parts of West Bengal in 24 hours till 8.30 am on Friday, according to the IMD data.