Kolkata Weather Alert: Thunderstorms to Ease by Weekend in South Bengal
The Alipore Meteorological Department has issued a continued weather alert for Kolkata and the wider South Bengal region, forecasting persistent thunderstorm activity accompanied by intense lightning strikes through Sunday, September 20. While the spatial coverage and intensity of the rainfall are expected to taper off slightly compared to recent days, the atmosphere remains heavily saturated with moisture. This high humidity index means that even during dry intervals, residents will experience oppressive, muggy conditions that elevate discomfort levels significantly. The forecast highlights a classic late-monsoon pattern where a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal feeds moisture-laden winds into the Gangetic plains, triggering convective instability. Districts such as North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, East and West Midnapore, and Jhargram remain under a yellow warning, urging citizens to stay indoors during peak lightning hours and avoid waterlogged areas. For Kolkata specifically, the weekend outlook suggests a gradual improvement. Cloud cover will persist, but the probability of widespread thundershowers diminishes after Sunday, giving way to scattered light rain patches. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 33-34 degrees Celsius, but the heat index will feel several degrees higher due to the residual moisture. The department has advised vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, to maintain hydration and limit outdoor exposure during the hottest parts of the day. Agricultural communities in the southern districts are cautioned about potential waterlogging in low-lying paddy fields, though the reduced rainfall intensity offers a brief window for drainage operations. Commuters should anticipate localized traffic disruptions due to sudden downpours and poor visibility. This spell marks one of the final active monsoon surges before the seasonal withdrawal typically begins in late September. Citizens are encouraged to follow official updates from the India Meteorological Department and the West Bengal Disaster Management Authority for real-time alerts.
Key Highlights
- Thunderstorms with lightning expected across South Bengal until September 20
- High humidity to cause severe discomfort even during rain-free periods
- Kolkata weekend forecast shows gradual improvement with scattered light rain
- Yellow warning active for multiple districts including Howrah and Midnapore
- Monsoon withdrawal likely to begin late September after this final surge
Source: ABP Ananda
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