Rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in Kolkata and several districts of South Bengal from February 19 to 20 (Wednesday to Thursday), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday.

The IMD has indicated that light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, will affect parts of South Bengal due to favourable wind patterns and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal at the lower tropospheric levels.

On Wednesday, light to moderate rainfall is likely at a few places with thunderstorms and lightning expected in East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Bankura, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly. Light rainfall is also possible in one or two areas in other districts of South Bengal.

The same weather conditions are expected to continue on Thursday, with light to moderate rainfall likely at a few places and thunderstorms and lightning possible in East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Birbhum, Nadia, Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas districts. Light rainfall may occur at one or two places in the remaining districts of South Bengal.

Continuous rain is expected in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong from Wednesday onwards, with the likelihood of rain and snow in Darjeeling on Tuesday. The amount of rain in South Bengal is expected to increase on Thursday, continuing till Sunday.

The forecast also warns of light fog in South Bengal in the morning hours, followed by partly cloudy skies on Wednesday and Thursday.

Farmers are advised to take precautions, as there is a risk of lightning strikes, particularly in open fields. Mature rabi crops and vegetables should be harvested and stored in dry, safe places. During thunderstorms, it is crucial to seek shelter to protect oneself from lightning. The weather office has predicted potential damage to mature crops and vegetables.