Kolkata: After days of oppressive heat and humidity, Kolkata and several districts of South Bengal woke up to heavy rain and strong winds on Friday morning, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for the city and neighbouring districts.

The intense pre-monsoon spell began before dawn, bringing widespread showers and gusty winds, leading to waterlogging in several parts of Kolkata. The Alipore Meteorological Department has forecast more rain through the day, with thunderstorms and lightning activity also likely in some areas.

An orange alert has been issued for Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly and North 24 Parganas. Meanwhile, East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas remain under a yellow alert as moderate rainfall is expected in these districts.

The rain has brought much-needed relief from the sweltering conditions that gripped South Bengal over the past two days. Meteorologists said the current weather pattern is part of ongoing pre-monsoon activity across the region.

According to the weather office, scattered rainfall is likely to continue through the weekend and may persist until Tuesday in several districts of South Bengal.

The showers are also expected to lower temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.

In Kolkata, a yellow alert was in effect from 5.15 am, with forecasts indicating light to moderate rainfall and wind speeds of 30-40 kmph over the next few hours.

Thunderstorms and lightning remain possible, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain cautious.

Hooghly, West Midnapore and Purulia are also expected to witness moderate rainfall accompanied by gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph.

Similar conditions are likely in South 24 Parganas and Jhargram, where thunderstorms and lightning cannot be ruled out.

North Bengal is also expected to receive rainfall, particularly in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar.

The weather shift comes a day after South Bengal endured intense humidity and soaring discomfort levels, with little rainfall reported across most districts on Thursday.

Friday's rain has offered temporary respite, though authorities continue to monitor conditions closely amid forecasts of more wet weather in the coming days.