West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh update regarding the much-awaited monsoon arrival in South Bengal, indicating that the seasonal rains are expected to enter the region within the next few days, with Kolkata set to experience showers today. The development brings a sense of relief for both farmers and city dwellers who have been enduring rising temperatures and humidity over the past few weeks.

The monsoon has already advanced through parts of Odisha and Jharkhand, and is steadily moving westward and northward. With the prevailing meteorological conditions—particularly the strengthening of southwesterly winds over the Bay of Bengal and a gradual drop in surface temperatures—the entry of the southwest monsoon into South Bengal, including Kolkata, is imminent. If current patterns hold, the monsoon is expected to fully cover the region by June 16–17.

Today, Kolkata is likely to witness moderate to heavy showers, accompanied by gusty winds and occasional thunderstorms. The city woke up to overcast skies this morning, and rainfall is likely to intensify in the afternoon and evening hours, providing some respite from the scorching summer heat that has dominated the city for weeks.

“Conditions are favourable for further advancement of monsoon into parts of Gangetic West Bengal over the next 48 hours,” said a senior official from the Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore. “Moisture-laden southwesterly winds are strengthening, and cloud formation has significantly increased across the region, which is a strong indicator of imminent monsoonal activity.”

The average onset date of monsoon in Kolkata is around June 10, and this year’s forecast is broadly in line with historical trends, though slightly delayed. While last year saw a slightly earlier arrival, the IMD maintains that monsoon progress in 2025 remains within normal bounds and is not indicative of any major deviation.

Districts like Howrah, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur are also expected to receive rainfall in the coming days, with some areas likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and wind speeds reaching up to 50 km/h. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for several districts, advising citizens to avoid open areas during thunderstorm activity and urging fishermen not to venture into the sea.

The advancing monsoon also signals the beginning of the crucial sowing season for farmers in South Bengal. Agricultural experts have been closely monitoring rainfall forecasts, as a timely monsoon is critical for the region's paddy cultivation cycle. “The arrival of monsoon is a make-or-break factor for farmers. A good and evenly spread monsoon can ensure bumper harvests, especially in districts dependent on rain-fed agriculture,” said Dr. Asit Kumar Dey, a climatologist and rural development specialist based in Burdwan.

While today’s rainfall is expected to be the first of many wet days ahead, the IMD has also cautioned about possible urban flooding in low-lying areas of Kolkata due to sudden heavy spells. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has already activated its drainage and disaster response teams to manage any waterlogging issues.

Residents of Kolkata and surrounding districts are preparing for the onset of the season that defines much of India’s agriculture, economy, and cultural mood. The monsoon’s timely arrival in South Bengal not only promises to break the heatwave but also rekindles hopes for a productive season ahead.