Kolkata Weather Forecast: The city is bracing itself for an extended spell of rain and humidity as the monsoon season gradually tightens its grip. After a scorching summer that pushed the mercury beyond tolerable limits, Kolkatans are now witnessing frequent showers, varying from light drizzles to heavy downpours, that have become part of daily life. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall will continue to dominate the city’s weather patterns, bringing both relief and new challenges for residents.
The Onset of Monsoon in Kolkata
Monsoon generally arrives in West Bengal in the second week of June, but its intensity fluctuates depending on wind patterns and depressions forming over the Bay of Bengal. This year, the advance of monsoon winds has been consistent, ensuring a steady spell of showers across South Bengal. Kolkata has already recorded several instances of above-average rainfall, with waterlogging reported in many parts of the city.
IMD officials have stated that rainfall will continue at regular intervals, accompanied by high humidity levels, making the weather damp and uncomfortable at times. The combination of sticky air, congested traffic during showers, and occasional thunderclouds has become the defining image of Kolkata’s monsoon life.
Kolkata Weather Forecast: Daily Life Under Rain Clouds
For commuters, rain is a double-edged sword. While it brings down daytime temperatures, it also disrupts transport. Auto drivers, bus operators, and cab services report increased demand whenever sudden showers hit the city. At the same time, waterlogging in low-lying areas like Tollygunge, Behala, Ultadanga, and parts of Salt Lake has caused traffic snarls, frustrating office-goers.
Street vendors, tea stalls, and small eateries thrive during rainy days, as many Kolkatans stop for a quick cup of hot tea, pakoras, or singara while waiting for the rain to pass. Students, too, are experiencing both the romance and inconvenience of the season—getting drenched on their way to college but also enjoying the city’s monsoon charm.
Economic Impact of Monsoon
Monsoon plays a decisive role in Bengal’s economy. Agriculture in the state depends heavily on seasonal rainfall, with paddy cultivation being the most affected. Adequate rain ensures a good harvest, while irregular patterns or excessive showers can damage crops and disrupt rural livelihoods.
In Kolkata, the rain impacts trade and commerce differently. Markets selling rain gear, umbrellas, gumboots, and waterproof bags see an increase in sales, while construction projects and outdoor businesses suffer delays. Hoteliers and restaurateurs, however, often witness higher footfall as residents prefer indoor gatherings during wet days.
The Health Concerns of Humidity
The combination of rainfall and high humidity brings several health-related challenges. Doctors in Kolkata warn of an increase in waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, jaundice, and cholera during this season. Dengue and malaria cases also tend to rise as stagnant water becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Residents are advised to take precautions, such as drinking boiled water, avoiding street food during continuous rains, and using mosquito repellents. Medical professionals also caution that the damp weather can aggravate respiratory issues like asthma and sinus infections.
Civic Challenges: Waterlogging and Infrastructure Stress
Despite several projects aimed at drainage improvement, waterlogging remains Kolkata’s Achilles’ heel during monsoon. Even a few hours of heavy rainfall can bring arterial roads like EM Bypass, Central Avenue, and Park Circus to a standstill. Civic bodies such as the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) deploy pumps to clear excess water, but clogged drains and garbage accumulation worsen the situation.
Environmental activists argue that unplanned urbanisation and encroachment on wetlands have intensified the flooding issue. “The city is losing its natural drainage system, and every year, citizens suffer more during monsoon,” said an activist from South Kolkata.
The Romance of Kolkata Rains
While monsoon inconveniences cannot be ignored, there’s an undeniable charm attached to Kolkata rains. The sight of raindrops falling on tram tracks, Howrah Bridge disappearing into mist, or College Street’s bookshops filled with students clutching damp books adds a poetic dimension to the season.
Many cultural enthusiasts see the rains as inspiration for music, poetry, and literature. From Rabindranath Tagore’s writings on monsoon melodies to modern-day film scenes shot against rain-soaked Kolkata streets, the season continues to influence the city’s creative soul.
Technology & Weather Updates
With mobile apps and weather portals providing real-time updates, citizens are better prepared than before. Applications like IMD Weather, AccuWeather, and Skymet send alerts on upcoming rainfall, temperature dips, and storm warnings. This helps office-goers plan their travel and allows households to prepare in advance for waterlogging or power outages.
For more on Kolkata’s latest weather updates, readers can follow the IMD official site.
Looking Ahead: The Weeks to Come
IMD forecasts indicate that rainfall will continue to dominate Kolkata’s weather in the coming weeks, with intervals of sunshine in between. The possibility of cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal cannot be ruled out, which could lead to heavier spells. Authorities have advised residents to stay cautious, particularly in low-lying neighbourhoods.
As the monsoon settles deeper into Bengal, residents of Kolkata will continue to juggle between inconvenience and the joy that rain brings. Whether it is the challenge of waterlogging or the nostalgia of sipping tea on a rain-soaked evening, monsoon remains an inseparable part of the city’s identity.
Conclusion
The rainy season in Kolkata is more than just a weather pattern—it is a lived experience that impacts the city’s lifestyle, economy, health, and culture. As showers continue, the city adjusts itself in myriad ways, embracing the romance of the rains while bracing for its challenges.
For readers seeking official updates on weather-related advisories, visit the India Meteorological Department (IMD) or check West Bengal State Disaster Management.
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