kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata, June 20, 2025: The monsoon has finally arrived in West Bengal, bringing with it consistent rainfall across districts, including Kolkata. While the showers have offered some relief from the scorching summer heat, they have done little to reduce the discomfort caused by persistent humidity levels in the city. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the city and surrounding regions are likely to experience widespread rain for at least the next seven days.

Early Friday morning, dark clouds loomed over the Kolkata skyline, followed by intermittent showers through the day. Streets in areas such as Gariahat, Behala, and North Kolkata saw minor waterlogging, while office-goers waded through puddles and slow-moving traffic. Despite the wet weather, the maximum temperature hovered around 32°C, with relative humidity staying above 85%, making it feel warmer than it actually is.

IMD officials confirmed that the southwest monsoon has advanced over most parts of West Bengal, with the Bay of Bengal branch becoming active. Meteorologists say the presence of a low-pressure system over eastern India is feeding the monsoonal flow, leading to enhanced rainfall over south Bengal districts including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, and South 24 Parganas.

Speaking to the media, IMD Kolkata director Dr. Sanjib Bandyopadhyay said, “The monsoon has fully covered Gangetic Bengal and will remain active for the coming week. While rainfall intensity may vary from light to moderate, isolated spells of heavy rain are likely, particularly in coastal and southern districts.”

Residents hoping for a cool breeze or reduced mugginess are likely to be disappointed. The combination of rain-soaked ground and moisture-laden winds has kept the discomfort index high. In fact, the humid conditions are expected to continue even as rainfall becomes more frequent.

Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) authorities are on alert to manage any urban flooding. Pumps have been deployed in low-lying zones, and drainage lines are being monitored. However, civic officials admitted that extremely heavy showers could lead to temporary waterlogging in vulnerable pockets. "We are closely coordinating with the weather department. So far, the rain has been manageable, but we are prepared for emergencies," said a senior official from KMC's Disaster Management Unit.

farmers have welcomed the rainfall as timely for the sowing of paddy and other kharif crops. Agricultural experts suggest that if the rains continue at a stable pace over the next few weeks, it could support a strong monsoon crop cycle. However, they also warned against any prolonged dry spells that often follow early monsoon bursts.

The monsoon’s arrival also brought a shift in daily life for city residents — from packed buses filled with dripping umbrellas to commuters stranded under metro stations waiting for the rain to ease. Local train schedules on suburban routes, especially in the Sealdah and Howrah divisions, saw slight delays due to the wet conditions.

Weather officials have issued advisories for fishermen along the coastal belt to avoid venturing into the sea over the next 48 hours due to rough conditions and high winds. Travelers have also been advised to stay updated on weather alerts, as some flights from Kolkata airport experienced delays due to reduced visibility earlier in the day.

As the rain continues to sweep through the region, citizens are urged to remain cautious, especially during thunderstorms and waterlogging-prone hours. While the monsoon has painted the city in shades of green and grey, the air remains thick with moisture — a reminder that in Kolkata, rain doesn’t always bring respite.