Monsoon to set in by weekend

Kolkata: The monsoon in Bengal is going to set in from June 9. There is prediction of sporadic but heavy rainfall with the monsoon setting in.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, "Conditions are also likely to become favorable for further advancement of South-West monsoon into most parts of Arabian Se...Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim, the remaining parts of Northeastern states and most

parts of Bay of Bengal during June 9 to 11."

It has been further stated that a low pressure area is very likely to develop over North Bay of Bengal during next 48 hours, with the cyclonic circulation over West Central and adjoining North-West Bay of Bengal.

It would lead to a depression in the "subsequent 48 hours". As a result, it will move towards the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast.

There was, however, a heavy downpour in the city and its adjoining areas on Thursday afternoon and the heavy shower continued at a stretch for around 45 minutes, bringing the movement of vehicles almost to a standstill, with people searching for shelters as the rainfall was also accompanied with lightning.

There was traffic congestion in certain areas and traffic sergeants took necessary measures to ease the movement of traffic as early as possible.

It may be mentioned that there was a preparatory meeting of the state Irrigation department in North Bengal on Wednesday, to ensure that people do not face any inconvenience during monsoon.

The temperature has dipped with the rainfall. The maximum temperature on Thursday was 36.5 degree Celsius, while the minimum temperature was 28.1 degree Celsius.

On Friday, there will be partly cloudy sky with possibility of moderate rain or thunderstorm in Kolkata and the maximum temperature will remain around 36 degree Celsius, while the minimum temperature would be 28 degree Celsius.