Kolkata, June 23 (IANS): Heavy rains lashed Kolkata and many parts of West Bengal on Friday afternoon.

In Kolkata, the showers caused traffic snarls at important junctures. Traffic slowed down at M.G. Road crossing, Central Avenue and other parts of the city due to waterlogging.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre here, cloudy skies and spells of rain and thundershowers will continue for the next 24 hours and the maximum temperature will be 34 degrees while minimum will be 27 degrees.

"It is expected to rain heavily in city and neighbouring areas for the next 24 hours," a Regional Meteorological Centre official said.

"Most areas of South Bengal, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Howrah, Hoogly, and East Midnapore will also experience heavy rainfall," he added.

North Bengal districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar will also see heavy rainfall. For the next 48 hours, heavy to moderate rain is expected.