Kolkata July Rain Surplus — The city of Kolkata has received a significant 362 mm of rainfall so far in July, marking a 49% surplus compared to the average for this period. With fresh monsoon activity expected to resume on Thursday, the city is bracing for yet another wave of downpours, even as it continues recovering from the intense showers earlier this month.
The current surplus has been driven by favorable monsoon conditions, including a persistent trough over the Gangetic plains and intermittent low-pressure systems developing over the Bay of Bengal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the intensity of this year’s July rains is well above seasonal averages, with cumulative rainfall significantly exceeding normal benchmarks.
Monsoon Mechanism and Weather Trends
The exceptional rainfall is the result of two dominant meteorological triggers:
- Monsoon Trough Positioning: The monsoon trough, which oscillates across northern India, has remained positioned closer to Bengal, ensuring frequent precipitation.
- Bay of Bengal Systems: A sequence of weak low-pressure zones over the North Bay has pushed moisture-laden winds into the city, resulting in sustained rainfall across south Bengal.
With the likelihood of another low-pressure area forming around July 24, meteorologists are predicting a renewed spell of rain lasting through the weekend.
Kolkata July Rain Surplus: A Rainy July So Far
Kolkata has witnessed multiple heavy spells in quick succession:
- On July 8, the city recorded 87 mm of rain, leading to scattered waterlogging in low-lying areas.
- July 20 brought a downpour of 84 mm, primarily during the afternoon hours, disrupting traffic on key stretches like EM Bypass, Park Circus Connector, and portions of Central Avenue.
- Several other days have crossed the 30–50 mm threshold, pushing the city’s total well above the average 243 mm for this time of year.
This spike in rainfall contrasts sharply with July 2024, which had seen a deficit due to delayed monsoon onset.
Infrastructure Holding Steady—Mostly
Despite the sheer volume of rain, Kolkata’s drainage system has, by and large, coped better than expected. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), which had undertaken major desilting and pump maintenance work ahead of the monsoon, has reported reduced waterlogging durations even after torrential spells.
KMC officials confirmed that over 100 dedicated drainage pumping stations were operating efficiently during recent showers, and mobile water pumps were deployed in areas like Topsia, Ultadanga, and Behala.
However, challenges remain in historically vulnerable areas, including:
- Thanthania, Kalighat, Kidderpore – where drains tend to overflow quickly.
- Port and Garden Reach – areas with higher tide backflow risks.
- North Kolkata neighborhoods – with narrower roads and older drainage infrastructure.
City Services: Mixed Impact
Civic services and public movement have seen varying degrees of disruption:
- Traffic snarls during peak rain hours have been common, especially at intersections near Esplanade, Park Street, and Gariahat.
- Metro Railway operations remained largely unaffected, though entry/exit points at surface level stations faced minor flooding.
- Electricity and telecom services faced brief outages in select areas, particularly where tree falls or waterlogging affected underground cables.
In response, the KMC control room, Kolkata Police, and Disaster Management units have been on alert during heavy rain forecasts, with emergency services including tree-cutting teams and mobile drainage units on standby.
Rain Outlook: What’s Coming Next
The IMD’s regional office has issued a watch for renewed rainfall activity starting Thursday (July 24). According to senior meteorologists:
- The incoming system may bring heavy to very heavy rain (64.5 mm to 115.5 mm) in 24 hours to parts of Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly districts.
- Sub-Himalayan districts such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar may see extremely heavy rainfall (≥204.5 mm) in isolated pockets.
The weekend outlook suggests cooler temperatures and increased humidity, with daytime highs expected around 32–33°C and nighttime lows hovering near 27°C.
Agricultural & Environmental Impact
For the broader Bengal region, this monsoon excess has brought some positive news for agriculture:
- Paddy cultivation, which had been lagging due to irregular June rainfall, has now picked up pace in the Gangetic plains.
- Farmers across Burdwan, Murshidabad, and Nadia are utilizing the rainfall window to transplant aman paddy saplings and restore irrigation channels.
Environmentalists, however, caution against complacency. Excessive rainfall, if poorly managed, could erode topsoil, clog stormwater drains, and increase the risk of vector-borne diseases.
The KMC has already stepped up fogging operations in mosquito-prone areas and advised residents to avoid water accumulation in courtyards and balconies.
Public Advisory & Precaution
In light of the continuing rain pattern, officials have urged the public to:
- Check daily IMD updates before travel.
- Avoid waterlogged zones and use elevated footbridges where available.
- Keep mobile apps like ‘Safe Drive Save Life’ and ‘KMC Connect’ for real-time alerts.
External Resources for Monitoring
To stay informed on monsoon forecasts, rainfall statistics, and urban flooding guidelines, refer to:
- India Meteorological Department – Regional Forecasts
- West Bengal Disaster Management Authority
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation
- Central Water Commission – Flood Forecasting
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