Residents in several districts of West Bengal have been advised to stay alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds and heavy rainfall over the next two hours.

According to the IMD's Kolkata office, intense weather activity is expected in parts of south Bengal, prompting the issuance of red and yellow alerts across multiple districts.

Red alert for three districts

A red alert has been issued for Murshidabad, Birbhum and Malda districts, where heavy rainfall, lightning and strong winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph are likely during the next two hours.

Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

People have been advised to stay away from open fields, isolated trees and water bodies due to the heightened risk of lightning strikes.

Yellow alert in Bankura and Paschim Bardhaman

The weather department has also issued a yellow alert for Bankura and Paschim Bardhaman.

These districts are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph.

Residents have been urged to exercise caution and avoid venturing outdoors unless necessary.

Monsoon covers state finally

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon has now officially advanced across all parts of south Bengal. However, widespread heavy rainfall is not expected in the region over the next few days.

On Monday, districts including Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Bardhaman may witness light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and winds blowing at 30-50 kmph.

Heavy rain to continue in North Bengal

North Bengal, however, is expected to receive significantly more rainfall.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rain in several districts, with Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri likely to witness extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms until Tuesday.

Additionally, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri are expected to experience scattered spells of heavy rain through Thursday.