Kolkata, July 15 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Kolkata and several south Bengal districts over the next four days, with adverse weather likely to affect Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrations on Thursday.

According to an official of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata’s Alipore, there is a possibility of moderate to heavy rain across south Bengal districts, including Kolkata, over the next four days. The weather may change in the southern districts from Sunday.

On Wednesday, the Met Department said that thunderstorms are likely in all southern districts, including Kolkata, in the next few days. A yellow alert has also been issued. In some places, gusty wind may blow at a speed of 30 to 40 km per hour.

Heavy rain is likely in North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram districts on Wednesday, accompanied by high winds. Moderate rain is predicted in the remaining districts.

On Thursday, on the day of Jagannath Rath Yatra, heavy rain is likely to occur in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura and West Burdwan districts.

An orange alert has been issued for South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. Thunderstorms and rain are expected in all other districts. The weather is likely to be similar on Friday and Saturday, according to the Met office. This can cause inconvenience to Rath Yatra organisers on Thursday.

Meanwhile, heavy rain is likely in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts on Wednesday. A yellow alert has been issued for the remaining districts of North Bengal as well. There is little chance of a change in weather on Thursday and Friday. There is a possibility of rain again from Sunday. Heavy rain is likely in the five north Bengal districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar on Sunday. The intensity of rain will increase further on Monday.

–IANS

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