Kolkata and its adjoining areas, including Howrah, witnessed continuous spells of rain on Thursday, disrupting daily life and leaving large parts of the city waterlogged. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of more rainfall across West Bengal, with both North and South Bengal districts expected to experience moderate to heavy showers over the coming week.
According to the IMD, the weather conditions will remain unsettled due to active monsoon winds combined with cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. While the downpour has brought relief from soaring temperatures, the high levels of humidity and forecast of heavier rain have kept authorities on alert.
Weather Conditions in Kolkata
On Thursday, the mercury in Kolkata hovered between 25°C and 29°C, reflecting a slight dip in daytime temperatures owing to overcast skies. However, relief from humidity remained elusive, as the maximum relative humidity touched a staggering 97 percent.
For many residents, the unrelenting combination of rain, humidity, and waterlogging turned daily commuting into a struggle. Major roads in Kolkata and Howrah reported traffic snarls, while pedestrians battled flooded streets and intermittent heavy showers.
Alerts Issued Across South Bengal
The IMD has issued multiple alerts to prepare districts for varying degrees of rainfall intensity.
- Orange Alerts (Heavy Rainfall Likely: 7–20 cm):
- South 24 Parganas
- Purba Bardhaman
Both districts were placed on orange alert for Thursday and Friday in view of a strong likelihood of heavy downpours.
- Friday Alerts:
On Friday, the Bankura, Purulia, and Paschim Medinipur districts are expected to face similar heavy rainfall, thunderstorm activity, and strong gusts of wind. These areas remain under orange alert through the day. - Yellow Alerts (Moderate Rainfall Likely: 7–11 cm):
Districts including Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram, Murshidabad, and Nadia have been placed on yellow alert for the week ahead. Along with consistent showers, these regions may also witness thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds up to 40 kmph.
The IMD’s warnings underline the possibility of urban flooding, waterlogging, and lightning strikes, which could disrupt normal life in many urban and rural belts.
North Bengal On Alert
Rainfall activities are expected to intensify in North Bengal as well. The IMD has placed Alipurduar on orange alert, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall (7–20 cm) along with thunderstorms, gusty winds, and lightning activity.
Other districts in the region—including Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Malda—are on yellow alert for the remainder of the week. Moderate to heavy showers coupled with thunderstorms are likely to lash these areas, raising concerns of landslides in hilly belts and rising water levels in rivers.
Adding to the challenges posed by incessant rainfall, the IMD has also flagged concerns about squally weather conditions over the Bay of Bengal. Strong surface winds, gusting up to 55 kmph, are expected to blow over the North Bay of Bengal and along the West Bengal coast from August 21 to August 23.
In view of the hazardous conditions, fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea during this period. Coastal authorities have been asked to keep fishing boats anchored and ensure the safety of those who depend on the sea for livelihood.
Anticipated Impact
The combination of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds is expected to have wide-ranging impacts:
- Urban Flooding & Waterlogging:
Kolkata, Howrah, and other low-lying districts are prone to waterlogging, which disrupts traffic and damages property. Prolonged waterlogging can also lead to health risks, including mosquito-borne diseases. - Traffic Congestion:
Heavy showers and poor drainage systems often leave major roads waterlogged, slowing down vehicles and causing large traffic jams. The situation worsens during office hours. - Lightning Strikes:
With thunderstorms forecasted across both North and South Bengal, the risk of lightning-related casualties remains high. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid open spaces during lightning activity. - Agricultural Impact:
While rainfall may benefit paddy cultivation in rural Bengal, excessive downpour may damage standing crops, especially in districts placed under orange alert. - Landslides in Hilly Areas:
Districts like Darjeeling and Kalimpong, though currently on yellow alert, may face landslide threats if rainfall intensity increases over the week.
Authorities on High Alert
State authorities have already initiated preparedness measures. Municipal bodies in Kolkata and Howrah have deployed pumps to tackle waterlogging in vulnerable zones. Disaster management teams have been kept ready in anticipation of flooding or storm-related emergencies.
The West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority has also urged residents to remain cautious, particularly in coastal and flood-prone districts. Travelers have been advised to plan commutes in advance and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak rainfall hours.
The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall activity across Bengal for the next seven days, with varying intensities across districts. While some regions will face moderate daily showers, others are bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall coupled with thunderstorms.
The current weather pattern is attributed to active monsoon conditions and cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, which continues to feed moisture into the region. If the system intensifies, rainfall could become heavier and more prolonged than initially predicted.
Conclusion
The showers that drenched Kolkata and Howrah on Thursday mark the beginning of an extended wet spell across West Bengal. With multiple districts placed under orange and yellow alerts, the next seven days are expected to bring more rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
While the monsoon showers bring much-needed relief to farmers and respite from the scorching summer, the risks of flooding, lightning strikes, and squally weather at sea pose challenges for citizens and authorities alike.
As the IMD continues to monitor the situation, residents are advised to stay updated through official weather bulletins, follow safety advisories, and exercise caution during this prolonged rainy phase.
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