Kolkata is set for an overall pleasant week as the monsoon has withdrawn from West Bengal. With the arrival of cooler winds, residents can look forward to gradual relief from the sticky humidity that has persisted in recent months.
What does the IMD forecast say?
According to the seven-day weather forecast of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Kolkata will start the week under clear skies.
By October 17, skies will become cloudy and temperatures may rise slightly to a maximum of 33°C and a minimum of 25°C. The partly cloudy trend is expected to continue through October 18 and 19 with a chance of thunderstorms or lightning on those days. Daytime temperatures will range between 32°C to 33°C, nights will remain warm at 25°C to 26°C.
Will the weather affect Kali Puja celebrations?
Celebrations for Monday’s (October 20) Kali Puja, the festival of lights, are unlikely to be affected as the Met department has forecast partly cloudy skies. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 32°C, the minimum will be around 26°C.
Also read | Heavy rains lash Mumbai, Thane ahead of Diwali, bringing much-needed relief from October heat | Check the IMD forecast
How is the weather changing in Kolkata?
As the city exits the monsoon season, more stable and comfortable weather is expected in the coming days, marking the gradual onset of winter.
Also read | Yellow alert issued for Hyderabad; city where it will rain in next 2-3 hours, says IMD
IMD issues weather warnings across India
The IMD has issued a weather warning as several regions across the country brace for heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds in the coming days. According to a National Weather Forecasting Center report issued on October 16, the warning covers parts of southern peninsular India, eastern, central and western India.
The southern region, Tamil Nadu, Kerala is likely to witness isolated heavy rains between October 16 and 21, while coastal Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Yanam and Rayalaseema may experience scattered rain and thundershowers. Winds may reach 30-40 km/h, creating a risk of waterlogging and minor flooding in low-lying areas.
Also read | Weather alert! Delhi-NCR receives heavy rainfall, check IMD forecast
East and central India, South Odisha and parts of Madhya Pradesh may experience thundershowers and strong winds around October 16, potentially disrupting outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, in western India, regions like Goa and Konkan are expected to experience thundershowers and scattered heavy showers on October 16 and 17.
Authorities urged residents and tourists to be alert, follow local advisories and take precautions against lightning and gusty winds.
Chennai Rains
The monsoon hit Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala-Mahe, south interior Karnataka, south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, causing heavy rains in Chennai and neighboring districts. Residents awoke to dark clouds and stormy showers that signaled the arrival of the season.
The Met department has predicted heavy rain at isolated places including Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Sivaganga, Dindigul, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Erode, Kallakurichi, Cudredalo Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai and Puducherry.
Districts like Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, signaling a brisk start to the monsoon season.
