India, May 28 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for West Bengal starting May 28, with particularly intense spells expected over Gangetic and Sub-Himalayan regions through the end of the month. The warning has been issued till May 31.

According to the IMD, scattered to fairly widespread rainfall is likely over the state from May 27 to May 31, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted over Gangetic West Bengal between May 27 and 31, while Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim may see very heavy rain from May 29 to 31.

The intensification of the monsoon has been aided by a low-pressure area over the northwest B...