Kolkata witnessed its wettest monsoon day of the year on Sunday as heavy rain swept across the city, bringing relief from days of oppressive heat and humidity. By Sunday evening, the city had recorded 61.9 mm of rainfall, making it the second-highest 24-hour rainfall total for June in the past five years, per a report by The Times of India.
The downpour came just two days after another significant spell of rain on Friday, which had already provided some respite from uncomfortable weather conditions.
Rain arrives after Yoga Day celebrations
The day began with partly cloudy skies, allowing International Yoga Day celebrations across the city to proceed without interruption. Thousands participated in events led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the weather remained favourable until the programmes concluded.
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Soon after, conditions changed rapidly. Dark clouds gathered over the city and a powerful thundershower followed. Several low-lying areas experienced waterlogging, slowing traffic movement in parts of Kolkata. Despite the disruption, many residents welcomed the rain after weeks of humid conditions.
People carry umbrella as they cross a road amid heavy rain, in Kolkata, on Sunday. ANI Neighbouring Dum Dum also received substantial rainfall, recording 51 mm during Sunday's spell.
Temperatures return to normal
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), the rainfall helped bring temperatures back to seasonal levels. Both maximum and minimum temperatures remained close to normal for this time of year.
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However, meteorologists indicated that Kolkata is unlikely to see another prolonged spell similar to Sunday's rainfall in the immediate future.
“The possibility of heavy rain in Kolkata is less from Monday onwards,” said HR Biswas, head of the RMC in Kolkata, per TOI. “Even if it rains, it is likely to be a short spell, unlike the prolonged downpour we encountered on Sunday. The mercury will continue to hover around the normal mark.”
Commuters make their way through a waterlogged road caused by heavy rain, in Kolkata on June 19. File image/ANI North Bengal on heavy rain alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the current weather is being influenced by a seasonal trough extending from Punjab to Bihar and another trough stretching from East Bihar to coastal Gangetic West Bengal.
While south Bengal, including Kolkata, is expected to witness shorter and more scattered rain spells, North Bengal may see heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy showers possible in isolated areas. Per TOI, the IMD has also warned that thunderstorm and lightning activity is likely to continue across several districts of West Bengal over the next two days.
Also Read | Kolkata braces for rain as IMD warns of thunderstorms, heavy downpour alert in North Bengal
FAQs:
How much rainfall did Kolkata record on Sunday?
Kolkata recorded 61.9 mm of rainfall by Sunday evening.
Will Kolkata continue to receive heavy rain this week?
The IMD says rainfall may continue, but prolonged heavy spells are less likely from Monday onwards.
