Kolkata Weather Alert: Kolkata is currently under the grip of intense monsoon activity, with heavy rainfall expected to continue throughout the week. Following multiple low-pressure systems originating in the Bay of Bengal, the city is forecast to witness back-to-back wet days accompanied by oppressive humidity and localized flooding in vulnerable areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for thunderstorms, gusty winds, and moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly in the afternoons and evenings.
Recent Rainfall Surges Break Records
The month of July has already proven historic. On July 26, Kolkata recorded its wettest day of the monsoon season, with 116.5 mm of rain in 24 hours. Rainfall was particularly intense in areas like Manicktala, Salt Lake, and Behala, where localized accumulation exceeded 150 mm.
The cumulative rainfall this month stands at over 593 mm, the highest in eight years, according to regional meteorological officials. The rainfall tally crossed 62% of the city’s average seasonal quota, with 26 rain-hit days already recorded in July.
Forecast Overview: July 29 – August 4
According to multiple weather services, including AQI.in and AccuWeather, the upcoming days show no significant relief. A daily pattern of scattered showers during the day, intensifying into widespread rain and thunderstorms by evening, is expected to continue through at least August 4.
Weather Highlights:
- Tuesday (July 29): Morning drizzle turning to heavier rain by afternoon. Maximum: 32°C, Minimum: 26°C
- Wednesday (July 30): Steady rainfall with short intense bursts. Thunderstorm chances remain high.
- Thursday (July 31): Showers mostly in the afternoon; cloud cover persists.
- Friday to Sunday (August 1–3): Intermittent rain with thunderstorm activity. Afternoon spells likely to cause waterlogging.
- Monday (August 4): Cloudy skies with brief rain. Some relief possible late afternoon.
Humidity levels remain consistently high, fluctuating between 85% and 95%, making the RealFeel temperatures rise to 35–38°C.
Kolkata Weather Alert: Impact on Daily Life
Kolkata residents have already reported major disruptions in commuting, especially in low-lying pockets prone to flooding. Areas like Lake Gardens, Garden Reach, Kalighat, and Bansdroni have experienced repeated instances of waterlogging.
Key Urban Concerns:
- Transport delays: Water-clogged roads affecting bus and cab operations; Metro stations remain crowded.
- Flight rescheduling: Short visibility during heavy rain has led to delays at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
- Health advisories: Surge in cases of cold, flu, viral fever, and mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and chikungunya.
- Power cuts: Sporadic outages in south and central Kolkata reported during thunderstorms.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has deployed extra drainage units and water pumps to manage stormwater in flood-prone zones. Civic teams are also on alert to prevent the overflow of uncovered manholes.
Public Health and Safety Precautions
Doctors and public health officials have advised residents to take precautions during this prolonged spell of humid and rainy weather. The conditions are especially risky for senior citizens, children, and those with respiratory issues.
Recommended Measures:
- Avoid stepping into water-logged streets.
- Use waterproof shoes, raincoats, and carry umbrellas.
- Drink plenty of fluids to combat dehydration.
- Apply mosquito repellents and keep surroundings clean.
- Avoid consuming roadside food or uncovered items.
- Use boiled or filtered water for drinking and cooking.
Why July 2025 is Unusual
Meteorologists attribute this anomaly to a combination of factors:
- A prolonged active monsoon trough stretching across eastern India.
- Successive low-pressure formations over the Bay of Bengal, with one even intensifying into a depression.
- Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, which have increased the availability of atmospheric moisture.
The last time Kolkata recorded comparable rainfall was in July 2017. However, the distribution this year has been far more widespread and relentless, with barely two or three dry days throughout the month.
Authorities on High Alert
State disaster management teams and Kolkata Police have been placed on standby for emergency evacuations in case of flash floods. Alerts have been issued to educational institutions to suspend physical classes if weather conditions worsen further.
CESC and KMC are jointly working on improving the turnaround time for restoring power and draining out stagnant water, especially in aging residential blocks and markets.
Monsoon Likely to Ease by Early August
The IMD and independent forecasters expect a slight dip in rainfall intensity starting August 1. However, the humidity and occasional evening thunderstorms are expected to continue through the first week of the month.
August may also bring short dry spells interspersed with isolated rain events—marking the retreat phase of Kolkata’s core monsoon cycle. While this doesn’t end the rainy season, it should bring some relief from continuous downpours.
What Comes Next?
- Temperature recovery: Daytime temperatures will likely climb again once cloud cover reduces. However, high humidity will persist.
- Urban drainage issues: Authorities will continue to monitor waterlogging-prone zones until monsoon patterns stabilize.
- Flood control measures: Post-rain infrastructural surveys are expected to assess drainage capacity and repair damage.
In Summary
Kolkata is currently facing one of its wettest and most humid monsoon cycles in nearly a decade. With continued heavy rain and elevated humidity expected through the week, the city is bracing for more transport disruptions, health challenges, and civic pressure.
Residents are urged to stay alert, limit non-essential travel, and closely follow updates from the India Meteorological Department and Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
External Sources Referenced: Kolkata AQI Weather, AccuWeather Forecast, The Weather Channel
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