kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata experienced a gentle return of monsoon rhythm on June 26–27, marked by consistent, light rainfall rather than sudden downpours. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) reported around 10 mm of rain at Alipore between Thursday evening and Friday morning, accompanied by temperatures hovering at a comfortable 31.4 °C—slightly cooler than average for this time of year .

The city’s current pattern is defined by an upper-air cyclonic circulation and a developing low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent Odisha–Bay of Bengal coasts .This has brought daily light to moderate rain accompanied by cloudy skies and occasional sunshine—the hallmark of the early monsoon. Meteorologist H R Biswas confirmed that this is "typical monsoon rain—not heavy but nagging," and serves to keep the heat at bay .

While this gentle rain persists, the city is poised for a brief lull. Forecasts suggest a slight dip in rainfall spread and intensity over the coming two days as the low-pressure area progresses inland . this respite is temporary, with models indicating that heavier rain is set to sweep back in early next week.

The low-pressure zone is expected to move west-northwest, touching parts of North Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, reviving widespread rainfall in the region . By next week, another low-pressure area may form by June 29, potentially escalating into more intense weather activity .

The RMC projects:

• Next 2–3 days: Patchy light to moderate rain, cooling temperatures at 31–32 °C .

• Friday (North/South 24 Parganas, East/West Burdwan, Hooghly): Isolated heavy showers (70–110 mm), with thunderstorms, gusty winds of 30–40 km/h, and lightning .

• Early next week: Upturn in rain frequency and intensity as the system takes shape and strengthens .

This weather pattern is fueled by the active monsoon trough over South Bengal, which circulates moisture into the city .

With cloud cover and rainfall reducing heat buildup, daytime highs have stayed around 31–32 °C, while nighttime lows averaged near 26.8 °C—close to seasonal norms . This temperate swing offers much-needed relief before the onset of intense monsoon conditions.

• Short-term: Light, steady rain and overcast skies; occasional brighter intervals under stray sun breaks.

• By weekend: Slight reduction in rain’s intensity and coverage—offering brief dry periods.

• Early next week: Conditions likely to change rapidly with formation of a fresh low-pressure system—bringing more frequent and possibly heavy rainfall.

Commuters should plan for ongoing drizzle and puddled roads in the coming days. However, next week may usher in more active weather: rapid temperature dips, thunderstorms, wind gusts, and heavier rain.

Similar patterns have been observed in other parts of South Bengal and coastal Odisha as systems migrate inland, supporting the broader monsoon activation in eastern India . The climatological build-up this June has been steady, suggesting groundwater recharge and relief from the preceding dry spell.

Kolkata is in the monsoon’s early embrace—with light, consistent showers now, a brief pause later this week, and heavier rains likely with fresh systems next week. Temperatures remain comfortable, and the city is entering a phase of more vigorous monsoon activity soon.