Kolkata Braces for Torrential Rain as Monsoon Pressure Intensifies
Kolkata is on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts very heavy rainfall on July 8 due to a low-pressure area persisting over Gangetic West Bengal, amplifying the ongoing monsoon surge. After a spell of moderate showers across the city and nearby districts, meteorologists now warn that more intense downpours are on the horizon, potentially disrupting normal life across large parts of the state.
The low-pressure system currently lies over southwest Gangetic West Bengal and is expected to move slowly west-northwestwards over the next 48 hours, affecting Jharkhand and northern Chhattisgarh as it progresses. The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall accompanied by gusty winds and lightning across Kolkata and South Bengal districts including South 24 Parganas, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, and North 24 Parganas.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata, the city will continue to experience generally cloudy skies and intermittent spells of rain or thundershowers over the next week. Day temperatures will hover between 31°C and 33°C, with minimums ranging from 26°C to 28°C. While the immediate focus is on July 8, scattered rainfall is also expected to continue steadily through July 13.
The IMD has issued a special advisory for July 8 warning of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in Purulia and Jhargram. Thunderstorms with gusty winds (30-40 kmph) and lightning are also expected across all districts of South Bengal. In North Bengal, districts like Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Alipurduar are likely to witness similar weather intensity.
Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors during storm activity, avoid waterlogged zones, and take necessary precautions. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea during this period.
With rainfall picking up momentum across both North and South Bengal, monsoon season has well and truly settled in. The IMD’s extended forecast points to more wet days ahead for Kolkata, reinforcing the need for city infrastructure and emergency services to stay on high alert.
