IMD warns heavy rain in southern Bengal till August 18

The India Meteorological Department, or IMD, is the weather agency in India that tells people what the weather will be like.

The IMD has warned that a lot of rain will fall in southern Bengal, a part of eastern India, until August 18.

The rain is happening because a 'low-pressure area' is forming over the north Bay of Bengal, which often brings cloudy and stormy weather.

Some places like South 24 Parganas, Bankura and Purulia may get very heavy rain on August 17 and 18.

Two places called Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram may get extremely heavy rain on August 17.

Big cities like Kolkata and Howrah may also get heavy rain on August 16 and 17.

Strong winds, called squally conditions, are also expected, blowing at speeds of 35 to 45 kilometres per hour.

Because the sea will be rough, the IMD has asked fishermen not to go out on boats until Tuesday.

The hilly districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar will also see heavy rain from August 18 to 21.

So people in these areas should be ready for wet, windy weather and stay safe.