Kolkata, March 12 Heavy thunderstorms accompanied by intense rainfall hit Kolkata and neighboring districts on Thursday evening, as the Met Department forecast similar weather conditions in parts of West Bengal over the next seven days.
Heavy rainfall in Kolkata and the adjoining Salt Lake area caused traffic congestion at several locations, inconveniencing commuters returning home.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that an upper-level circulation over Bangladesh and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal, along with strong moisture influx from the Bay of Bengal, is likely to trigger thunderstorms in some districts of the state during the period.
Light to moderate rain or thunderstorms are expected in many locations in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar until March 17, the IMD said.
Heavy rainfall is also likely in one or two locations in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar until Friday, it added.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are likely in south Bengal districts, including Purba and Paschim Bardhaman, Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia, between March 15 and March 17, the IMD said.
