kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The much-awaited southwest monsoon is likely to make its onset over Kolkata and large parts of southern Bengal within the next three days, according to the latest forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Meteorologists say that multiple cyclonic circulations forming over the Bay of Bengal are set to push the monsoonal flow into the region, accompanied by intense rainfall and thunderstorms, especially along the coastal belts.

The IMD issued a special bulletin on Monday, indicating that conditions have become increasingly favourable for the monsoon's advance into Gangetic West Bengal, including Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, and Howrah. Already, pre-monsoon activity has intensified in some districts, bringing bouts of rain, cloudy skies, and a noticeable dip in temperatures, much to the relief of residents reeling from weeks of oppressive heat and humidity.

According to a senior official at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore, “A cyclonic circulation has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal, which is likely to strengthen further over the next 48 hours. This system, along with the associated moisture-laden winds, is expected to push the monsoon current into southern parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, by the middle of this week.”

Coastal districts are expected to bear the brunt of the initial wave, with heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast for East Midnapore, South 24 Parganas, and parts of North 24 Parganas. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for these regions, warning of potential waterlogging, flash floods in low-lying areas, and traffic disruptions. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for the next few days due to rough conditions and high wind speeds.

Civic authorities and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) have begun pre-monsoon preparedness measures. Drain-cleaning operations are being expedited in major markets and residential neighbourhoods to prevent waterlogging. Mayor Firhad Hakim, addressing the media on Monday, said, “We are monitoring the situation closely. Pumping stations are fully operational, and emergency response teams are on standby across the city.”

Scattered showers and thunderstorms have already provided a preview of the monsoon’s arrival. On Sunday, parts of central and north Kolkata experienced moderate rainfall, which brought temperatures down from the scorching 38°C to a more bearable 32°C. However, officials caution that the transition to monsoon could also bring extreme weather spells, especially during the initial days.

The state disaster management department has been alerted, and shelters in coastal blocks are being readied as a precautionary measure. With memories still fresh of previous monsoon flooding, particularly in low-lying districts, the state government has asked local administrations to stay on alert and ensure that all drainage and relief mechanisms are fully functional.

The monsoon’s arrival is crucial for the agrarian economy of Bengal, especially in the southern districts that depend heavily on timely rains for paddy cultivation. Farmers across the region have begun early sowing preparations, and the expected monsoon onset is being welcomed with optimism despite concerns over initial downpours.

The IMD has also indicated that once the monsoon reaches Kolkata and adjoining districts, it is expected to progress rapidly across the rest of Bengal and neighbouring states. For now, the city and the state wait under overcast skies, as the winds gather strength to bring the first full spell of the season.