Kolkata Weather Update August 2025: Kolkata is preparing itself for a week dominated by unpredictable weather as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a combination of high humidity, intermittent rainfall, and cloudy conditions. After a spell of extreme heat and sultry afternoons over the past week, relief came in the form of light showers across parts of the city, but the respite is likely to be short-lived.
Meteorologists suggest that while rainfall will continue in intervals, the overall discomfort index—caused by a mix of high temperature and humidity—is expected to rise further. The situation has left Kolkatans in a state of uncertainty, with office-goers, students, and commuters unsure whether to carry umbrellas or brave the stickiness of the season. Markets in Burrabazar, Gariahat, and New Market witnessed brisk sales of rain gear, with vendors reporting a surge in demand for umbrellas, plastic footwear, and raincoats. Health officials have also cautioned residents to be mindful of monsoon-related illnesses such as dengue, malaria, and stomach infections, which often spike during humid, waterlogged weeks.
The combined effect of sporadic downpours and long stretches of sultry weather has created a unique set of challenges for the city, raising questions about preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and public health.
Kolkata Weather Update August 2025: The Science Behind the Weather
Meteorologists explain that the prevailing weather in Kolkata this week is being shaped by a trough of low pressure developing over the Bay of Bengal, combined with monsoon currents pushing inland. While these systems are expected to bring rainfall, their irregular intensity is what makes forecasting difficult. Light to moderate showers are predicted in the evenings, but mornings may remain uncomfortably hot and humid.
The city’s humidity level, already hovering between 70% and 85%, is expected to climb further, leading to discomfort, especially in low-lying areas with poor ventilation. Weather scientists have highlighted that Kolkata, situated close to the Bay of Bengal, often experiences this dual effect of heavy rainfall and sticky heat during the peak monsoon months of August and September. With global climate change adding more unpredictability, such fluctuations are becoming more frequent.
The IMD has issued advisories urging residents to prepare for waterlogging in key pockets, particularly in Behala, Tollygunge, Ultadanga, and Salt Lake. For daily commuters, this forecast means longer travel times, sudden delays in public transport, and greater caution on water-clogged roads. At the same time, agrarian districts around Kolkata such as North 24 Parganas and Hooghly view these showers as beneficial for paddy cultivation, though erratic bursts of rain may damage freshly planted seedlings. This contrast between urban inconvenience and rural necessity highlights the complexity of monsoon management in West Bengal.
Kolkata Weather Update August 2025: Impact on Daily Life
The unpredictable weather has already begun to influence the rhythm of daily life in Kolkata. Streets that were bustling with Independence Day shoppers only a week ago are now witnessing slower traffic as sudden rain showers leave pedestrians scrambling for shelter. Commuters boarding buses at Esplanade or trying to catch auto-rickshaws in south Kolkata report longer waiting times, with several vehicles slowing down due to slippery roads. The city’s iconic yellow taxis are also demanding higher fares from passengers during evening showers, citing traffic jams and flooded streets.
Shopkeepers in College Street, meanwhile, have resorted to covering bookstalls with plastic sheets to protect against sudden downpours, a ritual that has become second nature during monsoons. Schools and colleges, though still functioning, have advised students to carry extra uniforms or protective rainwear to avoid health complications. Housewives in several neighborhoods complain that high humidity has made drying clothes almost impossible, with garments taking days to lose their dampness. Street vendors selling hot tea, pakoras, and jhalmuri, however, are thriving, as Kolkatans traditionally turn to comfort food during rainy evenings.
The hospitality sector too is experiencing mixed fortunes: while some cafes and restaurants report higher footfalls during rain-soaked evenings, others complain of cancellations when showers turn into heavy downpours. This unpredictable weather has become a central talking point in conversations across homes, workplaces, and markets, reflecting how deeply climate patterns continue to shape the social fabric of the city.
Kolkata Weather Update August 2025: Waterlogging Woes
Kolkata’s perennial struggle with waterlogging has once again come into the spotlight. Even moderate rainfall has led to ankle-deep water in several localities, causing frustration among residents and commuters alike. Areas such as Amherst Street, Kankurgachi, and Park Circus witnessed brief but significant waterlogging earlier this week, disrupting traffic flow.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) claims that it has improved its drainage network, but local residents argue that the pace of water clearance remains painfully slow. For rickshaw-pullers, delivery personnel, and daily wage laborers, waterlogging means both physical hardship and reduced earnings. “I lose nearly half my income on days when the streets flood,” said Ramesh Shaw, a rickshaw-puller in south Kolkata.
Residents in neighborhoods like Dum Dum and Garden Reach complain about foul odors and mosquito breeding in stagnant water, adding another layer of health risk. The issue of waterlogging has become a recurring political talking point, with opposition parties criticizing the state government and civic bodies for lack of preparedness. Experts argue that the city’s outdated drainage infrastructure, combined with reckless urban construction, has worsened the problem. As rainfall intensifies in the coming days, concerns about worsening waterlogging and its health consequences are likely to rise further.
Kolkata Weather Update August 2025: Health Concerns
Doctors across Kolkata are warning residents to remain vigilant against seasonal diseases, particularly vector-borne illnesses such as dengue and malaria. With stagnant water already reported in several neighborhoods, the threat of mosquito breeding is extremely high. Hospitals like NRS, SSKM, and RG Kar have witnessed a steady flow of patients suffering from fever, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues triggered by contaminated water. The combination of humidity and intermittent rain also creates a favorable environment for viral infections like flu and conjunctivitis.
Public health experts stress that preventive measures—such as covering water containers, avoiding street food, and using mosquito nets—are crucial to reducing risks. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has intensified fogging operations and awareness drives, but civic volunteers admit that public participation remains limited. “We keep telling people to clear water from rooftops and containers, but many don’t listen until someone in the area falls ill,” said a KMC health worker. Pediatricians are particularly concerned about children exposed to rain during school commutes, warning parents about cases of respiratory infection.
While government hospitals continue to provide subsidized care, private hospitals report a spike in demand for diagnostic tests such as dengue antigen kits and blood platelet counts. Pharmacies across the city are also witnessing increased sales of paracetamol, oral rehydration salts, and insect repellents.
External References for Context:
- IMD Kolkata Regional Forecast
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation Updates
- West Bengal Health Department Advisory
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