Pre-monsoon rain to continue in North Bengal; thunderstorms likely in Kolkata and South Bengal

The Alipore Meteorological Department has forecast widespread pre-monsoon rainfall across all districts of North Bengal through next Tuesday, with heavy rain likely in several areas. Meteorologists said the region is expected to experience an active spell of pre-monsoon weather accompanied by gusty winds and a gradual drop in temperature. In South Bengal, heat and humidity are expected to persist despite the possibility of scattered thunderstorms and rain over the coming days.

According to the weather office, the southwest monsoon may enter Kerala today, while parts of Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu could also witness monsoon onset. The monsoon has already advanced into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ahead of schedule. Although June 1 is considered the normal date for the monsoon’s arrival over the Indian mainland, Kerala is still awaiting its official onset.

North Bengal is expected to receive continuous rainfall activity from Thursday through Tuesday. The weather department has forecast gusty winds of 40–50 km/h across most districts, while temperatures may decline by 2–3°C during the period. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar.

In South Bengal, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and scattered showers are expected in several districts. However, meteorologists said the rainfall is unlikely to bring any significant change in temperature levels. Hot and humid conditions are expected to continue despite intermittent spells of rain and thunderstorms.

Rainfall activity is expected to intensify on Friday and Sunday, with gusty winds of 30–50 km/h and light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur are among the districts most likely to be affected. In Kolkata, humid weather is expected to continue, although isolated thunderstorms and rain remain likely, with the probability of storm activity increasing from Friday through Sunday. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 29.8°C on Thursday.