kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata will be under a blanket of clouds for much of this week, with spells of rain and isolated thundershowers expected to punctuate otherwise humid days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday. 

The IMD’s day-by-day outlook predicts a generally cloudy sky on August 25, with rain or a thundershower likely. Maximum temperatures are expected near 32°C and lows around 27°C on Monday, with similar ranges on Tuesday when thunderstorms are more likely. By midweek the mercury is forecast to ease slightly: Wednesday’s high is likely to be about 31°C while nights should remain near 27°C. Toward the weekend the forecast points to continuing cloud cover with occasional spells of rain, the maximum dipping to around 29–30°C and minimums settling near 26°C. 

Meteorologists say the city’s recent streak of overcast skies and intermittent drizzles has already pushed daytime temperatures below seasonal norms, giving residents a break from harsher heat even as humidity remains high. Observations over the past few days show the persistent cloud cover and passing showers have kept maximum temperatures lower than usual for this time of year. 

The broader atmospheric picture is one the IMD is watching closely: an upper air circulation and a developing low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal could influence rains along the coast in the coming days. Officials have pointed out that while the developing system could trigger heavier rain over Odisha, its impact on south Bengal and Kolkata is likely to be limited to passing showers and localized thunderstorms rather than a sustained, heavy downpour — though that could change if the system tracks differently than forecast. 

On the ground, commuters and residents should expect wet roads, occasional gusty winds and brief bouts of reduced visibility during heavier spells. Low-lying pockets remain prone to waterlogging after intense bursts of rain, and metropolitan authorities usually keep an eye on drainage channels during such cloudy stretches. Public-transport users are advised to carry umbrellas and plan for slightly slower travel times during peak rain windows. 

The week looks set to offer a mixed menu: relief from the hottest days, intermittent showers that freshen the air, and the usual monsoon unpredictability that can bring anything from a short, sharp thunderclap to steadier light rain. Residents who rely on outdoor plans, construction or market activities should keep an eye on daily forecasts and local advisories as the situation evolves.