As Kolkata swelters under a relentless heatwave, residents are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the southwest monsoon, which has yet to reach the cit
As Kolkata swelters under a relentless heatwave, residents are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the southwest monsoon, which has yet to reach the city as of June 10, 2025. Despite an early onset over Kerala on May 24, the monsoon’s northward progression has stalled, leaving West Bengal’s capital grappling with soaring temperatures and high humidity. Official statements from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicate that the monsoon is expected to arrive in Kolkata between June 15 and 19, later than initially anticipated. This delay has sparked concerns about water shortages, agricultural impacts, and public health, even as the region remains drought-free due to pre-monsoon showers.
The heatwave gripping Kolkata has pushed temperatures to uncomfortable highs, with recent reports noting daytime readings hovering around 33°C but feeling as oppressive as 55–57°C due to humidity. The IMD has forecasted that these conditions will persist until at least mid-June, with relief expected only when monsoon rains arrive. Unlike northwestern India, where heatwave warnings have been issued, Kolkata’s situation is compounded by its coastal humidity, making outdoor activities particularly challenging. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children, face heightened risks of heat-related illnesses, prompting local authorities to issue advisories on hydration and avoiding midday sun exposure.
The delayed monsoon has raised alarms among farmers in West Bengal, where agriculture heavily depends on timely rains for kharif crops like rice, pulses, and oilseeds. Recent reports highlight that the sowing calendar is already disrupted in nearby regions like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal could face similar challenges if the rains don’t arrive soon. While pre-monsoon showers have kept reservoirs from drying out, water levels in the state’s dams and rivers are depleting faster than expected. Experts emphasize that prolonged delays could strain irrigation systems and urban water supplies, particularly in densely populated Kolkata.
The reasons behind the monsoon delay are complex. According to meteorologists, favorable conditions like strong easterly winds and high-pressure zones over the western Pacific initially supported an early monsoon onset in Kerala. However, a slowdown in these atmospheric patterns has stalled the monsoon’s advance. Some experts point to climate variability as a contributing factor, noting that shifting weather patterns are making monsoons less predictable. While La Niña effects—often associated with stronger monsoons—are present in 2025, they have not yet translated into consistent rainfall across northern and eastern India.
Despite the challenges, Kolkata has avoided drought conditions this year, thanks to moderate pre-monsoon showers in late May and early June. Posts on X reflect growing public concern, with residents sharing updates about the oppressive heat and anticipation for the monsoon’s arrival. One user noted that a developing weather system in the Bay of Bengal could finally bring heavy rainfall by mid-June, potentially causing flooding in low-lying areas. Local authorities are preparing for both scenarios—continued heat and sudden heavy rains—by ensuring drainage systems are cleared and emergency response teams are on standby.
The heatwave and monsoon delay also highlight broader climate change impacts. Experts warn that rising global temperatures are altering monsoon patterns, potentially leading to more frequent delays or erratic rainfall. For Kolkata, a city already vulnerable to flooding and urban heat, these shifts pose long-term challenges. Initiatives like expanding green cover and improving water conservation are being discussed, but immediate relief depends on the monsoon’s arrival. The IMD’s latest outlook suggests increased rainfall activity across eastern India from June 10 onward, offering hope that Kolkata’s wait may soon end.
As the city endures this prolonged heatwave, residents are adapting with practical measures—staying indoors, using cooling devices, and conserving water. The anticipation for the southwest monsoon underscores its critical role as a lifeline for Kolkata’s economy, agriculture, and daily life. While the region remains drought-free for now, the coming days will test the city’s resilience as it balances the challenges of heat, delayed rains, and the promise of relief. With the monsoon expected by mid-June, Kolkata holds its breath for the rains that will cool its streets and replenish its resources.
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