Monsoon Soaks Kolkata: Kolkata, known for its unpredictable yet dramatic monsoons, woke up on August 28, 2025, to a soaking spell of rain that refreshed the city but also raised concerns about waterlogging, traffic snarls, and health issues. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heavy showers in the coming days, warning of high humidity levels that could make life uncomfortable for residents even when the skies clear.
A Soaked City on Thursday Morning
On Thursday morning, several parts of Kolkata witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall, disrupting normal routines. Neighborhoods like Behala, Garia, Salt Lake, and New Town reported water accumulation on streets, while central areas such as Esplanade and Park Street experienced traffic snarls as office commuters waded through puddles.
The Alipore Meteorological Department confirmed that the city recorded above-normal rainfall in a short span, with showers continuing intermittently through the day. According to their forecast, the spell is linked to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, a weather system that typically intensifies during late August.
Humidity Levels Add to the Struggle
While rains provided relief from the sweltering heat of recent weeks, humidity soared, adding to the discomfort. With relative humidity climbing above 90% in several pockets, residents described the day as “sticky and suffocating.”
Health experts have already issued advisories urging people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor activity, and take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, which tend to rise after heavy rains in Kolkata.
For updated weather forecasts, citizens can monitor the IMD Kolkata official site.
Monsoon Impact on Daily Life
The monsoon’s impact extended beyond inconvenience. In residential neighborhoods such as Tollygunge, Kestopur, and Ultadanga, reports of power fluctuations surfaced as waterlogging hampered electricity distribution. In Salt Lake and New Town, IT professionals found themselves struggling with delayed commutes, while in North Kolkata’s narrow lanes, residents said clogged drains worsened flooding.
Public transport was hit too. Several buses were delayed, ride-hailing cabs charged surge prices, and auto-rickshaws increased fares as waterlogged routes reduced availability. The Kolkata Metro, however, ran largely on time, becoming a reliable alternative for stranded commuters.
Markets and Business Disruption
Local markets were partially disrupted. Vendors in Gariahat and Shyambazar reported fewer footfalls as heavy showers kept customers indoors. Prices of perishable items like vegetables and fish rose slightly, as supply lines from suburban markets were affected.
Hotel and restaurant owners in Park Street and Sector V noted that while evening business was lower due to waterlogging, food delivery orders spiked, highlighting the city’s shifting consumption patterns during rains.
Monsoon Soaks Kolkata: Durga Puja Preparations at Risk
Perhaps the most significant concern is how prolonged rains might affect Durga Puja preparations. Artisans at Kumartuli, the city’s hub for idol-making, fear that excessive rainfall and humidity could damage unfinished idols. Pavilions (pandals) under construction also risk delays as soggy ground hampers bamboo and cloth work.
Local organizers have requested the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to speed up drainage clearances and ensure roads remain passable ahead of the festive season.
Health Concerns Post-Rainfall
Doctors from private hospitals and government health centers have warned of a likely surge in seasonal illnesses. Dengue and malaria cases usually peak after August, when stagnant water creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Experts also note that high humidity may worsen respiratory conditions and dehydration. Citizens have been advised to carry umbrellas, wear light cotton clothes, and include oral rehydration solutions (ORS) in their daily routine.
For health guidelines during monsoon, residents can refer to the West Bengal Health Department’s official site.
Historical Context of Monsoon in Kolkata
Monsoons in Kolkata have always been a paradox—bringing relief from the summer heat while simultaneously disrupting city life. From the devastating floods of 1978 to the more recent deluges in 2021, the city has witnessed how vulnerable its infrastructure is to intense rainfall. Despite multiple drainage projects, many parts of the city continue to face waterlogging after just a few hours of heavy showers.
Experts argue that Kolkata’s urban planning needs urgent upgrades to handle climate-related weather changes. The combination of urban sprawl, clogged drainage, and rising sea levels makes the city increasingly susceptible to climate shocks.
Expert Opinion
According to meteorologists, the Bay of Bengal is witnessing more frequent low-pressure formations due to climate change, contributing to erratic rainfall patterns. “This year, we are seeing intense short bursts of rain, followed by long dry spells. It disrupts both agriculture and urban systems,” said an IMD official.
Urban planners point out that poor drainage maintenance and encroachment on wetlands are worsening flooding in Kolkata. Environmentalists continue to stress the need to protect the East Kolkata Wetlands, which serve as the city’s natural drainage system.
Looking Ahead
With the IMD predicting continued rainfall into the weekend, residents of Kolkata are bracing themselves for more disruption. Civic authorities have promised to keep pumping stations functional and to deploy emergency response teams across vulnerable neighborhoods.
For the city, the monsoon remains a mix of romance and resilience—with rain-soaked evenings inspiring poets and lovers, even as families and workers grapple with delays, disruptions, and discomfort.
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