Kolkata, June 13 – After several days of oppressive heat and high humidity, Kolkata finally received much-needed rainfall on Thursday, offering relief to residents across the city. The showers, which began early in the afternoon, brought down soaring temperatures and improved overall weather conditions significantly.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that various parts of Kolkata, including Alipore, Salt Lake, Howrah, Dum Dum, and Park Street, recorded moderate to heavy rainfall. This sudden downpour resulted in a 4 to 5 degrees Celsius drop in daytime temperatures, offering a respite from the near 40°C conditions that had gripped the city over the past week.
Citizens welcomed the change, with many expressing relief after enduring days of hot winds and high humidity levels. Local tea shops, roadside vendors, and city parks saw a slight increase in foot traffic as people came out to enjoy the cooler atmosphere. For many office-goers and students, the rain offered a pleasant break from the routine discomfort of summer commutes.
The IMD attributed the rainfall to the advancement of the southwest monsoon over parts of West Bengal and adjoining areas. Weather officials noted that this marks the beginning of more widespread monsoon activity expected to intensify in the coming week. A yellow alert has been issued for the next 48 hours, with forecasts of continued showers and occasional thunderstorms across Kolkata and nearby districts.
Despite the relief, the rains did cause minor waterlogging in certain low-lying areas such as Ultadanga, Behala, and parts of North Kolkata. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) deployed teams to monitor and manage drainage systems in real-time to prevent major disruptions. No significant traffic snarls or civic issues were reported as of Thursday evening.
Environmental experts pointed out that while rainfall is a relief, the city must remain cautious about urban flooding and drainage challenges that typically accompany heavy monsoon showers. They urged municipal authorities to stay proactive in maintenance and citizen awareness efforts.
Power supply remained largely unaffected, with only a few short outages reported in scattered localities. KMC and CESC officials confirmed that precautionary shutdowns were implemented in vulnerable areas to ensure safety.
Farmers in the surrounding rural belts of West Bengal also welcomed the rainfall, which is expected to support early sowing of paddy and other seasonal crops. Agricultural officials noted that if monsoon activity continues in a timely and consistent manner, the kharif crop season could begin positively.
As Kolkata transitions into the monsoon phase, authorities have requested citizens to stay updated on weather alerts, avoid waterlogged zones, and cooperate with civic workers during peak rain hours.
