kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata finally welcomed the much-anticipated monsoon after a delay of nearly a week, bringing relief from the scorching summer heat that had gripped the city over the past few weeks. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the arrival of the southwest monsoon in the city late Tuesday, marking a much-awaited seasonal transition that arrived with uniform and consistent rainfall across Kolkata and its adjoining districts.

Originally expected by June 10, had raised concerns among weather experts and citizens alike, particularly with temperatures consistently hovering around 38 degrees Celsius. However, a change in wind patterns and increased moisture in the Bay of Bengal helped push the monsoon currents into Gangetic West Bengal, finally covering Kolkata.

According to IMD officials, the monsoon set in with a steady spell of rainfall that began early in the morning and continued throughout the day with varying intensities. Most parts of the city recorded moderate rainfall between 20 mm to 50 mm, while some southern and eastern suburbs received heavier showers. The rainfall was well-distributed, sparing no part of the city, thereby ensuring that the monsoon was not patchy as seen in some previous years.

The skies remained overcast, temperatures dropped by several degrees, and the humidity level, although still high, was comparatively more bearable due to the rainfall. The maximum temperature in the city dropped to around 31 degrees Celsius, a welcome respite from the relentless heat.

IMD Kolkata director Dr. Somnath Dutta stated that the monsoon is now expected to progress steadily across West Bengal. "The southwest monsoon has covered Kolkata and large parts of Gangetic West Bengal. Over the next few days, rainfall activity is expected to intensify further with isolated heavy showers likely in several districts," he said.

The monsoon's arrival also coincided with an alert issued for thunderstorms and lightning in parts of South Bengal. While no major disruption was reported in Kolkata on the first day, the weather office advised citizens to remain cautious during sudden intense spells.

Civic authorities, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), had been preparing for the monsoon for weeks, conducting drain-cleaning drives and checking pump systems in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging. On the first day of the monsoon rains, several pockets of the city, including Behala, Tollygunge, and parts of North Kolkata, experienced minor waterlogging, but prompt drainage efforts helped ease the situation quickly.

Residents across the city welcomed the rain with a sense of relief and joy. Many took to social media to share photos and videos of rain-drenched streets, steaming cups of tea, and monsoon skies. For shopkeepers and small food vendors, the rains meant a fresh spell of business as demand for hot snacks and beverages soared.

Farmers in the surrounding districts, who were waiting anxiously for the rains to begin sowing paddy, also expressed satisfaction at the monsoon’s eventual arrival. Agriculture officials said the current pattern of rainfall would help replenish soil moisture and aid in the timely transplantation of seedlings.

With the monsoon now firmly established in Kolkata, the city is likely to experience frequent spells of rain in the coming weeks. The IMD has predicted a normal monsoon season for West Bengal this year, with overall rainfall expected to be within the average range.

As clouds continue to hover over the skyline, Kolkata residents are gearing up for their familiar wet season—a mix of joy, nostalgia, and the logistical challenges that come with it. From umbrella vendors to traffic management teams, the city is once again entering its annual rhythm under the monsoon skies.