Kolkata Weather Update: Kolkata began its day on August 22 under the heavy cloak of clouds. The city, already weary from the past week’s deluge, was greeted with a mix of humid air and overcast skies. By morning, the temperature hovered around 27°C, but the real feel was far higher as humidity surged close to 90%. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had already warned of light to moderate showers through the day, with thunderstorms and gusty winds expected by evening.
Adding to the tension, an orange alert for lightning and thunderstorms was issued for Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and parts of East and West Midnapore. The alert signaled possible wind speeds of 30–40 km/h along with intense rainfall pockets, a reminder that the monsoon is far from done with the city.
Rainfall Snapshot: Ballygunge and Jodhpur Park Bear the Brunt
The previous 24 hours saw some of the heaviest rain of the season. Areas like Ballygunge recorded 107 mm while Jodhpur Park logged 105 mm, overwhelming drains and leaving large pools of stagnant water across south Kolkata.
For context, Kolkata’s average monsoon rainfall in August is about 334 mm, but with just these few days, the city has already crossed significant milestones. IMD officials suggest that if this pace continues, the August average could be surpassed by the end of the month.
While north Kolkata experienced lighter rain, southern neighborhoods like Kasba, Lake Gardens, and Dhakuria were severely affected, with residents reporting waist-deep water in some bylanes.
Thunderstorms, Lightning, and Safety Concerns
The IMD’s orange alert particularly emphasized the risk of lightning strikes. West Bengal is no stranger to lightning-related casualties, with rural districts often bearing the brunt. As a preventive measure, the state disaster management authority urged citizens to avoid open fields, metal structures, and waterlogged areas during storms.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), meanwhile, has been trying to keep water pumps running at key choke points such as Thanthania Kalibari, Ultadanga, and Topsia, but officials admitted that intense bursts of rain often overwhelm the system.
Daily Life in the Rains: A City Struggles, Yet Adapts
The rain’s impact was immediately visible across the city:
- Traffic snarls: Commuters on the EM Bypass and VIP Road faced long delays as potholes filled with water, forcing vehicles to slow down.
- Metro rush: With surface transport affected, the Kolkata Metro saw unusually heavy morning crowds, with Salt Lake Sector V employees rushing earlier than usual to avoid potential disruption.
- Markets hit: Gariahat and New Market saw thinned footfall as shoppers avoided venturing out in unpredictable weather. Street vendors, already struggling with water-damaged goods, expressed frustration at yet another day of losses.
- Schools and offices: Many parents chose to keep children at home as heavy rain coincided with morning school timings. Offices reported delays as employees braved flooded roads.
A Salt Lake resident, Ananya Dutta, described her morning ordeal: “The rain started as a drizzle, but within half an hour my lane was under ankle-deep water. I waited for an auto for 45 minutes. By the time I reached Sector V, I was completely drenched—even with an umbrella.”
The Health Angle: Humidity, Infections, and Precautions
With humidity nearing saturation, health experts warn of multiple risks:
- Skin and fungal infections are rising due to prolonged dampness.
- Respiratory issues are common among the elderly as damp conditions worsen asthma and bronchitis.
- Vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria remain a looming threat, as waterlogging provides fertile ground for mosquito breeding.
Doctors advise carrying inhalers, mosquito repellents, and drinking clean boiled water as basic monsoon precautions.
Kolkata Weather Update: Comparisons With Past Monsoons
Weather scientists point out that this year’s August rains mirror the intensity of 2021 and 2015, when Kolkata witnessed severe late-monsoon spells that caused weeks of disruption. Unlike those years, however, climate change factors are making rainfall more erratic—heavy bursts followed by sudden dry gaps.
According to IMD’s climate division, Kolkata has already received 12% excess rainfall this season compared to the long-period average (LPA). This surplus, while beneficial for agriculture, increases urban flooding risks due to the city’s slow drainage response.
Kolkata Weather Update: The Cultural Side of Rain in Kolkata
For all its disruptions, rain also defines the cultural mood of the city. Poets, musicians, and filmmakers have long celebrated the imagery of Kolkata’s monsoon. From Rabindranath Tagore’s rain songs to Satyajit Ray’s evocative rain sequences, showers have been woven into the city’s collective identity.
Even today, cafés in College Street and Park Street see students gathering over hot tea and pakoras, romanticizing the rain while the city outside battles its harsher side. Kolkata’s monsoon, in essence, is both chaos and charm.
The Road Ahead: More Rain in Sight
While Friday and Saturday may bring short breaks in heavy showers, IMD forecasts suggest that fresh rainfall activity could intensify from Monday, August 25 onwards. Meteorologists warn of another wet spell next week, meaning Kolkata should brace for continuing traffic, waterlogging, and health hazards.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel during peak rain hours, keep emergency contacts handy, and follow IMD advisories closely.
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