Kolkata Weather Update — Residents of Kolkata are bracing for another day of intense humidity and intermittent rainfall, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a rainy, overcast Friday for the metropolis and surrounding districts. With the monsoon entering its peak phase, July 11 is expected to bring moderate to heavy showers, occasional gusty winds, and a sharp dip in temperature, though humidity will remain oppressive.
Kolkata Weather Update: Meteorological Summary
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Alipore, the following pattern is expected:
- Rainfall: Moderate rain (15–65 mm), heavier in spells across the southern and eastern zones.
- Humidity: Relative humidity may remain above 92%, particularly during early morning and post-noon hours.
- Temperature: Maximum temperature likely to stay between 29°C and 31°C, while minimum temperatures hover around 26°C.
- Winds: Surface winds at 25–30 km/h from the southwest, gusting up to 40 km/h during thundershowers.
Areas Likely to Be Affected
- Wettest Zones: Jodhpur Park, Behala, and Salt Lake are likely to receive intense spells.
- Waterlogging prone zones: EM Bypass, Amherst Street, and Ultadanga may see brief flooding during peak showers.
- Rural areas like Baruipur, Canning, and Diamond Harbour may experience localized waterlogging and transport disruption.
Rainfall Pattern Across the City
| Region | Expected Rainfall (mm) | Alert Level |
|---|---|---|
| Central Kolkata | 30–40 mm | Yellow |
| North Kolkata | 40–50 mm | Yellow |
| South Kolkata | 55–70 mm | Orange (short-term alerts possible) |
| Salt Lake Sector V | 35–45 mm | Yellow |
| New Town | 30–35 mm | Green |
Humidity Woes: Kolkata’s Persistent Problem
Even as temperatures drop due to dense cloud cover, humidity remains dangerously high, making the weather feel warmer than it is. The “Real Feel” index may climb up to 37°C, especially between 11 am and 3 pm.
According to weather scientist Dr. Arnab Ghosh, the high humidity is caused by:
- Moisture-laden southwesterly winds
- Surface evaporation after spells of rainfall
- Poor drainage and stagnant water creating micro-humidity pockets
“Even with reduced sunlight, the trapped heat and saturated air are contributing to discomfort levels,” Dr. Ghosh explained.
Urban Impact: Roads, Transport & Daily Life
Traffic and Waterlogging
- Several stretches, especially near Gariahat, Kalighat, and Topsia, are expected to be waterlogged.
- The Kolkata Traffic Police has issued advisories for commuters to avoid low-lying areas between 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM and again in the late afternoon.
Train and Metro Services
- Metro Rail authorities confirmed that operations will continue unless visibility or power supply is impacted.
- Local trains on the Sealdah South section may be delayed due to potential waterlogging near tracks.
Schools and Colleges
- Educational institutions remain open, but students are advised to carry rain gear and leave early to avoid traffic snarls.
Health Alerts: Monsoon-Related Illnesses
Doctors from SSKM Hospital and AMRI Dhakuria have issued a public advisory:
- Risk of waterborne diseases such as jaundice, cholera, and typhoid is rising due to stagnant water and blocked drains.
- Mosquito breeding has increased, prompting fears of dengue and chikungunya.
- Elderly and children are especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion caused by high humidity.
“Avoid street food, drink boiled water, and wear light cotton clothing,” advised Dr. Anuradha Basu, a public health expert.
Economic and Social Impact
Street Vendors & Daily Wage Workers
- Intermittent showers have affected footfall in markets like Gariahat, Hatibagan, and New Market.
- Many hawkers report up to 40% loss in daily earnings due to wet conditions and reduced customer turnout.
App-based Services
- Ride-sharing and food delivery services face delays and cancellations.
- Surge pricing likely in the morning and early evening due to weather-related unavailability.
Power Supply
- CESC reported minor outages in Lake Town, Kasba, and Beliaghata on Thursday evening.
- Maintenance teams remain on alert as water seepage continues to pose risks to underground cables.
External Resources for Monitoring
- IMD Kolkata Weather Portal
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation Rain Tracker
- West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority
- Kolkata Traffic Police Twitter
Expert Voices
Prof. Aparajita Bhattacharya, Environmental Sciences, Calcutta University:
“Climate models show an increase in short-burst, high-intensity rain events in Kolkata over the past five years. This week’s pattern fits that mold.”
Col. (Retd.) Amitava Roy, Disaster Management Consultant:
“Our urban drainage is no match for the rainfall intensity. Unless smart water management becomes a priority, each monsoon will leave more damage than the last.”
Extended Forecast
| Date | Weather | Max Temp | Rainfall Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 11 | Showers + Humid | 30°C | 90% |
| July 12 | Cloudy + Drizzle | 29°C | 70% |
| July 13 | Overcast | 31°C | 40% |
| July 14 | Partly Sunny | 33°C | 20% |
| July 15 | Thunderstorms | 29°C | 80% |
Precautionary Measures for Citizens
- Stay Indoors during heavy spells
- Avoid underpasses and canals during waterlogging
- Keep emergency kits, raincoats, and umbrellas ready
- Ensure all electrical boards and devices are protected from moisture
- Do not wade barefoot through flooded streets
Rain, Relief, and the Resilience of Kolkata
While the city grapples with daily challenges brought on by erratic monsoons, its people continue to adapt. Children are seen splashing in puddles, street-side chai stalls do brisk business, and umbrellas become fashion statements.
Still, the broader questions remain — Is Kolkata climate-ready? Is the monsoon a blessing or a warning?
As July unfolds, so does the monsoon’s unpredictability — a test of not just umbrellas, but also of urban infrastructure and resilience.
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