Kolkata Weather Today, September 3: Rain Keeps City Under Cloud Cover as IMD Warns of Thunderstorms

Kolkata is likely to remain firmly in the grip of a wet monsoon spell on Thursday, September 3, with rain and thunderstorms expected to keep the city’s skies predominantly cloudy. The latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast indicates that the weather system affecting West Bengal continues to support widespread rainfall activity, making another damp and unsettled day likely across the city.

According to the latest IMD city forecast for Kolkata-Alipore, the city is expected to record a minimum temperature of around 27°C and a maximum of about 31°C on Thursday. The forecast describes the day as one likely to see thunderstorms accompanied by rain, with gusty winds of around 30–40 kmph possible during storm activity. ⁠

The immediate weather outlook comes after a notably wet spell in the city. IMD’s Kolkata-Alipore station recorded 128 mm of rain on September 2, while the temperature remained considerably below what would normally be expected for early September. Humidity also remained exceptionally high, with relative humidity reported at 98% at both observation times. ⁠

The continuing rain is linked to a weather system that has recently influenced Gangetic West Bengal. The IMD said a well-marked low-pressure area that had been over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining regions subsequently moved towards northeast Madhya Pradesh, while the broader monsoon circulation continued to influence rainfall over the state. ⁠

For Kolkata, this means that even if there are temporary breaks between showers, the atmosphere is likely to remain moisture-laden and unstable. Short spells of intense rain could develop rapidly, particularly when thunderclouds build up over and around the metropolitan area. Such conditions can produce sudden reductions in visibility, water accumulation on roads and delays for commuters.

The city’s drainage network could once again come under pressure after the substantial rainfall recorded on Wednesday. Low-lying neighbourhoods and roads that are already prone to waterlogging may take longer to clear if another spell of heavy rain arrives before the accumulated water has fully drained.

The combination of rain, saturated roads and gusty winds could also make the Thursday commute particularly challenging. Motorists may encounter slower traffic on major arterial roads, while pedestrians could face difficult conditions during heavier showers. Residents are likely to experience some relief from the heat because of the cloud cover, although the persistently high moisture in the air can continue to make the weather feel oppressive between spells of rain.

The IMD’s broader warning for southern West Bengal remains significant. Its September 3 warning indicates the possibility of very heavy rain along with thunderstorms, lightning and squally conditions in parts of the region, while further rainfall activity is expected over the following days. ⁠

However, Kolkata’s forecast suggests that the city’s weather may gradually become less intense after Thursday. The IMD’s city forecast points towards generally cloudy conditions with lighter rain on September 4, while temperatures could begin edging upward over the weekend. ⁠

The weather pattern is therefore unlikely to signal an immediate end to the monsoon’s influence over Kolkata. Instead, the city appears set for a transition from a particularly wet phase towards more intermittent rainfall, with cloudy skies and occasional showers continuing to dominate the short-term outlook.

For Kolkata residents, Thursday is consequently a day to plan around the weather rather than simply wait for it to pass. Carrying an umbrella, allowing extra travel time and avoiding exposed areas during thunderstorms would be sensible precautions. During lightning activity, residents should stay indoors where possible and avoid standing beneath isolated trees or near vulnerable structures.

With the monsoon still active and the atmosphere remaining saturated, Kolkata’s familiar September combination of clouds, sudden showers, thunderstorms and humidity is expected to remain a defining feature of the city’s weather over the next few days.