Kolkata records wettest July in a decade; Heavy rain alerts issued across North Bengal

Kolkata recorded 667.2 mm of rainfall in July 2025, the highest in the past 10 years, making it one of the wettest Julys for the city. The average rainfall for July is 371.6 mm, but this year the total exceeded it by nearly 300 mm. Out of 31 days, 27 days saw rain, with four days falling under the "heavy rainfall" category. The last time rainfall crossed this level was in 2007, when the city recorded 715.5 mm.

The heavy rainfall was attributed to the presence of three low-pressure systems during the month. Kolkata also recorded 155.8 mm of rain in May, higher than the average 118.5 mm, while June received 248.2 mm, slightly lower than its average of 276.7 mm. Weather officials have said that rainfall intensity is expected to decrease in South Bengal from Friday, although light to moderate rain and wind speeds between 30 to 40 km/h are still likely.

Meanwhile, North Bengal is expected to experience continuous rainfall over the next seven days. Yellow alerts have been issued for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, North and South Dinajpur, and Malda, indicating the possibility of heavy showers. From Saturday to Monday, orange alerts are in effect for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri, with forecasts of very heavy rainfall ranging from 7 to 20 cm. Rainfall could reach up to 200 mm in specific locations during this period.