Kolkata: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a generally cloudy sky with light showers today, followed by continuous rain until October 19. On October 20 and 21, partly cloudy skies are expected. On October 22, partly cloudy conditions will return, with a possibility of rain or thunderstorms.
Kolkata experienced multiple spells of post-monsoon showers on Wednesday, bringing relief from the humid and sultry conditions that had persisted over the last few days. The day began with cloudy skies, and moderate rainfall started in parts of south Kolkata around 9 AM. The cloud cover remained throughout the day, with heavier rainfall occurring in central and north Kolkata by late afternoon. The downpour led to waterlogging in several areas across the city.
As per a TOI report,the unexpected showers were caused by a high-pressure zone over the Bay of Bengal, near the Bengal-Odisha coast, which infused moisture into both south and north Bengal. According to weather scientists, this moisture, combined with ground heating, led to cloud formation and the subsequent rain. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted that light to moderate rain will continue over the next four days, with Kolkata expected to see lighter showers on Thursday.
Experts explained that such weather systems are common in the post-monsoon period due to lingering ground heat. Once this system dissipates, the region is likely to experience dry weather until winter unless a significant weather event, such as a cyclone, forms in the sea.
Rainfall was uneven across the city, with parts of south Kolkata receiving sharp morning showers while other areas remained dry. By late afternoon, heavier rains spread across the city, leading to a more uniform downpour. Neighbouring districts, including Howrah, Hooghly, East Midnapore, East and West Burdwan, and South 24 Parganas, also received rain.
This post-monsoon rain comes after a monsoon season where Kolkata and south Bengal recorded near-normal rainfall levels.