Kolkata Weather Alert – The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh weather alert for Kolkata, warning residents to brace for light to moderate rainfall accompanied by high humidity levels. After weeks of fluctuating weather patterns, the city is once again set to experience unsettled skies that could disrupt daily life, particularly for commuters, office-goers, and small businesses dependent on clear weather conditions.
A City Between Rain and Sweat
While rain showers bring momentary relief from the heat, they are also leaving behind an uncomfortable blanket of humidity. According to the Alipore Meteorological Office, Kolkata is expected to witness intermittent spells of rain throughout the day, with the maximum temperature hovering around 33–34°C and humidity levels crossing 85%.
Residents of central and north Kolkata woke up Monday morning to overcast skies, followed by scattered rainfall in areas like Dum Dum, Salt Lake, Tollygunge, and New Alipore. For office-goers, this meant slippery roads, traffic snarls, and long waits for public transport.
Commuters Face the Brunt
The Kolkata Traffic Police has already issued advisories urging motorists to drive cautiously in waterlogged areas, particularly in parts of EM Bypass, Park Circus connector, and low-lying pockets of North Kolkata. Even a 30-minute downpour can leave behind clogged drains and ankle-deep water, causing buses and two-wheelers to struggle.
Daily commuters expressed mixed feelings. “The rains bring freshness, but the humidity is unbearable. Traveling in buses without proper ventilation feels suffocating,” said Priyanka Das, a college student from Garia.
Kolkata Weather Alert: Monsoon in Transition
Weather experts explain that Kolkata is currently experiencing a transitional monsoon phase. While rainfall has been frequent, it has not been uniformly distributed, leading to a unique mix of heat and moisture in the air.
Dr. G.K. Das, Director of IMD Kolkata, noted:
“The city is under the influence of moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal. However, due to uneven distribution of rainfall, humidity persists even after showers. This is a typical condition in late monsoon weeks.”
Health Concerns Rise
Doctors in the city are cautioning residents about the health implications of prolonged humidity. High levels of moisture in the air can trigger dehydration, fungal infections, respiratory discomfort, and exacerbate conditions like asthma.
Dr. Rupa Banerjee, a physician at SSKM Hospital, explained,
“People assume rain automatically cools down the environment. But when humidity stays high, the body struggles to regulate temperature. This can cause fatigue, headaches, and even viral infections.”
Chemists across the city have reported a rise in sales of paracetamol, anti-fungal creams, and electrolyte solutions, reflecting growing public health concerns.
Impact on Daily Economy
Street vendors and small businesses also remain anxious. A sudden downpour often leaves markets in Burrabazar, Gariahat, and Hatibagan deserted. Perishable goods, especially vegetables and flowers, get damaged in transit, leading to inflated prices.
“We are losing customers whenever it rains. On one side, the vegetables get damaged; on the other, people don’t want to step out. If this continues, our profits will dip further,” said Manohar Shaw, a vegetable vendor in Behala market.
Flights and Train Services at Risk
Authorities at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport are monitoring weather conditions closely. Although flights are not expected to be cancelled, delays due to low visibility during heavy showers remain a possibility. The Eastern Railways has also announced preparedness to tackle waterlogging at key junctions, including Sealdah and Howrah.
Citizens’ Preparedness
To tackle the twin challenge of rain and humidity, residents are adopting precautionary measures:
- Carrying umbrellas/raincoats while commuting.
- Stocking ORS packets to avoid dehydration.
- Avoiding street food to reduce the risk of stomach infections.
- Using mosquito repellents, as stagnant rainwater often leads to a spike in dengue and malaria cases.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has also deployed additional pumps in flood-prone areas and sanitation workers to prevent garbage from clogging drains.
Looking Ahead
IMD predicts that the weather is unlikely to stabilize in the coming days, with light to moderate rainfall expected until the weekend. If the Bay of Bengal witnesses the formation of a low-pressure system, Kolkata may receive heavier spells.
While many residents welcome the rain as a respite from scorching heat, the persistent humidity continues to dampen spirits. “We need the rain, but not the humidity. It makes life miserable,” said Arijit Roy, a banker from Lake Town.
Broader Climate Context
Kolkata’s weather challenges also reflect broader issues of climate variability. According to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), eastern India is witnessing an increase in short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events, which cause both urban flooding and extended humidity.
Read CSE Report on Urban Flooding in Indian Cities
Similarly, the India Meteorological Department has warned that climate change is making monsoons increasingly unpredictable. Instead of long, even spells of rain, the city often gets heavy bursts followed by prolonged humid conditions.
Visit IMD official site for weather updates
External References
- India Meteorological Department (IMD) – Weather Forecasts: https://mausam.imd.gov.in/
- Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) – Urban Flooding Report: https://www.cseindia.org/
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation – Drainage and Sanitation Updates: https://www.kmcgov.in/
- World Health Organization – Health Effects of Humidity: https://www.who.int/
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