Kolkata Weather Update — The city of Kolkata continues to grapple with unpredictable monsoon activity as periods of scattered rainfall and heavy humidity dominate the week’s forecast. After a warm Sunday that was briefly cooled by an evening shower, the city is bracing for more rain and moisture-laden air that’s likely to stick around well into the first week of August.
Kolkata Weather Update: A Brief Respite on Sunday
On Sunday evening, parts of Kolkata including Ballygunge, Bhowanipore, Alipore, Tollygunge, and New Alipore experienced a refreshing spell of rain after a warm and largely overcast day. The rain began around 8:40 PM and lasted for roughly 30 minutes. Although not long-lasting, the shower brought significant relief, pushing temperatures down from an afternoon high of 31.8°C.
This rainfall was localized and not uniform across the city. Northern and eastern regions such as Dum Dum, Salt Lake, and Ultadanga remained largely dry, revealing the scattered nature of current monsoon patterns in South Bengal.
Meteorologists explain that the evening showers were the result of local cloud development driven by surface heating throughout the day—a typical occurrence during the monsoon months when intense solar radiation builds enough energy to trigger sudden convective rainfall in pockets.
Forecast for the Week Ahead: Rainfall Set to Increase
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall activity over Kolkata is set to intensify in the coming days. Starting Monday, residents can expect increased frequency and coverage of rain, with moderate to heavy showers forecast across Kolkata and surrounding districts such as Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, and Murshidabad.
Weather experts from the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Alipore, have noted the presence of an active monsoon trough over Gangetic West Bengal, which is expected to strengthen in the coming days, pulling in additional moisture from the Bay of Bengal. This system is likely to generate multiple spells of rain, especially during the afternoons and evenings, accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas.
Impact on Daily Life
The rising humidity and expected rainfall are already affecting daily life in Kolkata. Monday morning began with sultry conditions, with the relative humidity hovering around 92% in central Kolkata and even higher in coastal belts. The oppressive heat index is making it difficult for commuters, especially in non-air-conditioned public transport.
Even brief spells of rain have been enough to cause minor waterlogging in low-lying areas like Topsia, Lake Gardens, and Behala, raising concerns about what heavier showers might bring. Pedestrians and motorists alike are being advised to exercise caution during the late afternoon hours when showers are most likely.
If rainfall intensifies as forecast, the city’s overburdened drainage system may be pushed to its limits—an all-too-familiar scenario for Kolkata residents during the monsoon season.
Health and Hygiene Concerns
The prolonged humid conditions combined with intermittent rain have created an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. Health officials are urging residents to ensure that no stagnant water accumulates in and around homes, as this can lead to a spike in mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and chikungunya.
Additionally, the humidity is increasing the risk of dehydration and heat-related stress. Doctors advise wearing light cotton clothing, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the outdoors during peak humidity hours (late morning to early afternoon).
Temperature Trends
Despite the rainfall, daytime temperatures remain high. On Sunday, the maximum temperature recorded at Alipore was 31.8°C, and Dum Dum recorded 32.5°C. With humidity levels soaring between 88% and 95% during the daytime, the real-feel temperature, or heat index, crossed 38°C in several locations.
According to AccuWeather, this trend will continue, with day temperatures hovering between 30–32°C through the week, and nighttime temperatures staying in the 26–28°C range.
The India Meteorological Department has also issued localized forecasts indicating intermittent rainfall with occasional lightning and gusty winds. This means residents should be prepared for abrupt changes in conditions — clear skies in the morning may not guarantee a dry evening.
What’s Driving the Current Weather Pattern?
The regional monsoon circulation is currently being influenced by a combination of the following:
- Active monsoon trough over the Gangetic plains, dipping southwards and drawing moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
- Low-pressure zone developing over Jharkhand and adjoining areas, which may move eastward and bring more rainfall to Bengal by mid-week.
- Surface heating and high sea surface temperatures in the Bay that are creating an ideal setup for cloud formation over Kolkata during daytime hours.
The India Meteorological Department’s Kolkata division has signaled that the ongoing monsoon phase remains active and may continue well into early August with above-normal rainfall expected for the region.
Citizens’ Reactions
For many residents, the weather has brought mixed feelings. While the evening showers offer temporary relief from the day’s heat, the humidity that follows makes sleeping conditions difficult, especially for those without access to air conditioning.
“I was happy when it started raining, but within 15 minutes the entire stretch near Rashbehari Avenue was waterlogged,” said Sujata Das, a college student. “It’s the same story every monsoon—drainage is poor and the humidity doesn’t let up.”
Street vendors and daily-wage laborers are among those hardest hit by the shifting weather. Rain disrupts their livelihood while the heat continues to pose health risks.
Transport authorities and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) have deployed extra personnel to monitor chokepoints and ensure that critical drainage outlets are functioning, but frequent reports of localized flooding indicate that the infrastructure remains stretched.
What to Expect This Week
Here’s a day-wise breakdown of the forecast through Friday:
| Day | Weather | Max Temp | Min Temp | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Light to moderate rain, humid | 32°C | 27°C | Spotty showers likely post 3 PM |
| Tuesday | Moderate rain, high humidity | 31°C | 26°C | Afternoon thunderstorms expected |
| Wednesday | Heavy rain in parts | 30°C | 26°C | Potential flooding in low-lying areas |
| Thursday | Overcast with intermittent rain | 31°C | 27°C | Lower visibility, muggy conditions |
| Friday | Cloudy with light showers | 32°C | 28°C | Gradual clearing by late evening |
(Data sourced from IMD Kolkata and Time and Date)
Advisory to Residents
Authorities have issued the following advisories for the week:
- Carry umbrellas or raincoats at all times, especially during evening commutes.
- Check traffic apps before heading out, as sudden showers can cause long delays.
- Avoid wading through stagnant water to prevent skin infections or leptospirosis.
- Clean mosquito-breeding areas like flower pots, AC trays, and rooftop tanks.
- Stay hydrated and use oral rehydration solutions if needed.
The KMC has also appealed to residents to avoid dumping waste into open drains, a common cause of waterlogging during the rainy season.
When Will the Rain Ease?
According to long-range models, Kolkata may continue to experience on-and-off rainfall well into the first week of August. The monsoon trough, currently active, is not expected to weaken significantly in the near term.
However, meteorologists do anticipate some stabilization by August 6–7, depending on whether the low-pressure system over Jharkhand migrates eastward or dissipates. Until then, Kolkata’s skies are expected to stay moody, with high clouds, low pressure, and scattered showers dominating the landscape.
External Weather & Government Resources for Real-Time Updates:
- India Meteorological Department (IMD): https://mausam.imd.gov.in/
- IMD Kolkata Weather Page: https://mausam.imd.gov.in/kolkata/
- Time and Date Kolkata Forecast: https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/india/kolkata
- AccuWeather Kolkata: https://www.accuweather.com/en/in/kolkata/206690/weather-forecast/206690
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation: https://www.kmcgov.in/
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