Kolkata Hit by Torrential Rain; IMD Predicts Continued Showers in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Kolkata experienced extremely heavy rainfall on 23 September 2025, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting 251.4 mm of rain in a 24-hour period, causing severe waterlogging and disrupting daily life across the city. The heaviest downpour occurred between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. IST, registering 98 mm, although the IMD clarified that it did not meet the threshold for a cloudburst.

The intense rainfall was linked to a low-pressure system that formed over the Bay of Bengal on 22 September and moved toward coastal Gangetic West Bengal and northern Odisha. The system led to strong moisture convergence over Kolkata, with cloud formations reaching heights of 5 to 7 kilometers, according to Doppler radar data. This contributed to the unusually heavy and sustained precipitation in the city.

Authorities have reported significant disruptions, including flooded streets, interrupted transport services, and damage to local infrastructure. Residents were urged to exercise caution, avoid non-essential travel, and stay indoors as waterlogged roads made commuting hazardous. The downpour comes ahead of the Durga Puja festival, further impacting preparations and celebrations.

Looking ahead, the IMD has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall over Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana in the coming days. Another low-pressure area is expected to form over the northwest and central Bay of Bengal around 25 September, potentially bringing rainfall to Konkan & Goa and parts of Madhya Maharashtra between 25 and 29 September. Several districts have been placed under weather alerts as precautionary measures.

Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with emergency services on standby to assist affected populations. Citizens in the impacted regions are being advised to take necessary precautions, including safeguarding property, avoiding waterlogged areas, and keeping updated with official weather warnings. The IMD emphasizes that continued vigilance is essential as the monsoon-related low-pressure systems bring sustained rainfall to eastern and central India.