Deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm Aila. In the next 24 hours, heavy rains and gale winds are likely to sweep over Bangladesh and West Bengal, according to the Meteorological Department.

The deep depression over west central and adjoining east central and north-west Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm and lay centred about 350 km south-southeast of Sagar Island. The system is likely to intensify further and move in a near northerly direction and cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coast.

"Gale wind speed reaching 60-70 kmph along and off West Bengal coast may increase to 85-95 kmph gusting to 105 kmph during landfall period. Sea condition will be very rough," the official release of the Alipore Meteorological Office stated.

The weather office have advised fisherman to remain away from sea.

By the evening on May 24 rainfall took place in the coastal areas of East Midnapore and even in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, including Kolkata.

Heavy rainfall at most places with very heavy rainfall at a few places and isolated extremely heavy rainfall is likely to take place over Gangetic West Bengal in the next 48 hours, the Met office said.

While monsoon sets in around June 8, it may advance in the southern districts of West Bengal during the next two or three days, Met department sources said.

With the approaching cyclone and even the monsoon setting in early, the civic authorities are also pulling up their socks.