Kolkata set for another damp weekend; IMD warns of intermittent rain, thunderstorms

Authorities have flagged concerns over water logging, traffic snarls, and the possibility of lightning in open areas

Kolkata | August 22, 2025 08:21 PM IST

Temperatures are expected to remain below normal, offering some respite from the heat even as the dampness lingers.

Written by Parthivee Mukherji

After a night of steady downpours, Kolkata woke up to a Friday laden with grey skies and drizzle as the city continues to remain under the influence of the August monsoon. According to the latest forecast issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre, Alipore, the city is set to experience “a generally cloudy sky with a few spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers” over the next day.

Temperatures are expected to remain below normal, offering some respite from the heat even as the dampness lingers. The maximum is likely to touch 28.4 degrees Celsius and the minimum is set around 25.6 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity, however, will stay oppressive – oscillating between 94 percent and 98 percent, keeping the day sticky despite the cooling showers. Leading up to Friday morning, the city recorded 31.7 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. While this has cooled the city, it has also caused the familiar issues of water logging and traffic disruptions, especially during peak office hours.

The forecast extends beyond Kolkata. The districts of South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, Paschim Bardhaman, and Birbhum across South Bengal have been placed on orange alert for today, Friday, by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

This is due to the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) in pockets in these districts, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. They also have yellow alerts in place till August 26 owing to the persisting stormy conditions. The rest of the districts including Howrah, Hooghly, and Nadia have been issued yellow alerts by IMD – some till August 25 and some till August 26. Thunderstorm conditions are likely to persist in these districts as well.

The northern districts of West Bengal are also set to stay drenched. Districts including Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Malda can expect widespread light to moderate rainfall, with the possibility of heavy downpours in certain areas. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds remain a risk in almost all the districts till August 25.

Authorities have flagged concerns over water logging, traffic snarls, and the possibility of lightning in open areas. Residents are urged to avoid fragile structures, stay away from trees and electrical poles during thunderstorm activity, and exercise caution while commuting.

(Parthivee Mukherji is an intern with The Indian Express)

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