Rains to lash Kolkata on Friday, cool temperatures; peak showers expected on July 30 as monsoon sets in

Starting Friday, Kolkata is expected to experience active monsoon conditions, with a steady pattern of rainfall and gradually falling temperatures likely to continue through the end of July.

Wet mornings, overcast afternoons, and increasingly frequent downpours will mark the city's daily rhythm, with residents advised to plan their routines accordingly.

According to data from AQI.in, July 30 is likely to bring the heaviest rainfall of the week, while July 27 could offer a brief window for outdoor activities with lighter showers and clearer skies.

Kolkata weekly forecast: Steady rains

On July 25, the city will experience temperatures between 32.2°C and 28.1°C with an 85% chance of rain. July 26 will bring patchy showers and a marginal drop in maximum temperature to around 31.3°C. July 27 is expected to be the calmest day of the week, with only scattered light rain and relatively clearer skies.

On July 28 and 29, intermittent moderate rainfall will resume, and temperatures will hover around the 30°C mark. The week will close with a significant spell of heavy rain on July 30, bringing down the mercury to approximately 26.3°C.

Humidity will remain high throughout the week, while gentle winds up to 15.5 km/h offer limited respite. The UV index will stay low, but visibility may be reduced during peak rainfall hours, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Heavy rain hit Kolkata ahead of forecast

Even before the anticipated monsoon surge, parts of Kolkata and southern Bengal were lashed by heavy rain on Thursday evening.

The downpour was triggered by a low-pressure system that formed earlier in the day over the north Bay of Bengal. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata, this system could intensify into a depression within 24 hours, enhancing rainfall across the region.

Districts like East Burdwan, Purulia, Hooghly, and Bankura began receiving intense spells of rain from Thursday afternoon, with lightning warnings also issued.

The system is expected to track along the Bengal and Odisha coasts by Friday, bringing its maximum impact to Kolkata between late Thursday night and Saturday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that intense rain during this period could lead to localised flooding in vulnerable pockets of the city.

Met scientist H R Biswas from the RMC told TOI that even after the system weakens, rainfall will likely persist beyond Saturday due to a renewed monsoon flow. This marks the sixth low-pressure formation over the Bay this July.

Impact and suggestions for residents

With widespread rainfall forecast and the possibility of intense spells from the low-pressure system, residents are urged to remain alert. Waterproof footwear, raincoats, and umbrellas will be essential for daily commutes. Motorists should exercise caution due to the risk of waterlogging and reduced visibility in some areas.

Despite disruptions, the rainfall is crucial for replenishing local reservoirs and sustaining the region’s green cover during the peak monsoon period. While most days will be wet, those hoping to step out should look to July 27 as the best opportunity for outdoor plans.