Kolkata Weather Today: Rain and Thunderstorms Set to Keep City Under Cloud Cover, IMD Forecasts Gusty Winds

Kolkata is likely to begin the week on a distinctly unsettled weather note, with the monsoon continuing to maintain its grip over the city. On Monday, September 7, the regional meteorological centre has forecast a partly cloudy to generally cloudy sky, with the possibility of moderate rain or thunderstorms during the day. The weather is expected to remain humid, while lightning and gusty winds could accompany thunderstorms in parts of the city. ⁠

The latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) observations underline how wet the recent spell has been for Kolkata. At the Alipore observatory, 47 mm of rainfall was recorded in the 24 hours ending with the latest observation, while the minimum temperature dipped to 25.4°C. Relative humidity remained high at 91% in the morning, reflecting the moisture-laden atmosphere prevailing over the city. ⁠

For Monday, the mercury is expected to remain around 26°C at night and could climb to approximately 32°C during the daytime. However, the actual feel of the weather may remain considerably warmer because of persistent humidity. The combination of moisture, cloud cover and intermittent sunshine is likely to make conditions feel sticky, particularly during the afternoon.

The more significant weather feature will be the possibility of thunderstorms. According to the IMD’s Kolkata forecast, thunderstorms may be accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching around 30–40 kmph. Such conditions can develop rapidly, particularly during the afternoon and evening, making short-duration weather changes a possibility across different parts of the city. ⁠

The latest forecast also suggests that Kolkata’s unsettled pattern is unlikely to disappear immediately. Tuesday is expected to bring generally cloudy conditions with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers, while similar conditions are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday. Rain and thunderstorms therefore remain a recurring possibility through the middle of the week rather than being confined to a single wet spell. ⁠

The recent rainfall has already demonstrated the intensity with which monsoon systems can affect the city. Kolkata recorded around 93.6 mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period earlier this month, its highest 24-hour rainfall spell of the season at that point, according to a Times of India report. The spell was linked to a stationary low-pressure area over Gangetic Bengal and neighbouring regions, together with strong moisture transport from the Bay of Bengal. ⁠

With the ground already receiving substantial rainfall, another burst of heavy rain could create familiar urban problems, including temporary waterlogging, slower traffic and difficult commuting conditions in low-lying stretches. Motorists and pedestrians may particularly need to exercise caution if thunderstorms arrive suddenly during peak travel hours.

For residents stepping out today, the weather is therefore less about continuous rain and more about being prepared for a sudden shift in conditions. A cloudy morning could give way to brighter intervals before another spell of rain or thunderstorm activity develops later in the day. Carrying an umbrella and allowing additional travel time would be prudent, especially for those commuting across the city.

Kolkata’s September weather is also highlighting the classic character of the retreating monsoon period: temperatures remain relatively high, but the atmosphere is saturated with moisture and weather systems can quickly trigger thunderstorms and heavy showers. For now, the IMD forecast indicates that Kolkata’s rainy phase will continue, keeping the city cooler than it might otherwise be but maintaining the familiar combination of damp roads, heavy air and high humidity.

Kolkata’s Monday weather is expected to remain cloudy, humid and rain-prone, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds possible. The rain may arrive in spells rather than remain continuous, but residents should remain alert to sudden changes, particularly during the afternoon and evening. ⁠