Kolkata Weather

One of the metropolitan cities of India is Kolkata. It is situated in the eastern half of the country and enjoys sub-tropical climate. Kolkata weather is influenced by the winds coming from Bay of Bengal as this city has developed on the delta of river Ganga. The weather in Kolkata can be broadly classified into 3 major seasons, namely summer, winter and the rainy season, which is also known as the monsoons.

The summers are hot and humid, typically found in any tropical area. Starting from March till June, the temperature hovers in the range of 30degrees to 40 degrees. Some days in May can record up to 41 degrees. Nearness to the water body increases the humidity of the surrounding areas and thus making them hotter. A few days in summer can be really dry and give birth to dust storms. A blistering day may invite many thunderstorms and hailstorms during afternoons accompanied by rain, providing relief. The local folk call them as ‘Kal Baishakhi’ in Bengali.

As the month of June comes to an end the Kolkata weather shifts from hot to wet as the South-West Monsoon winds make their way into the Bengal land. These winds originate from the northern part of Equator and are very powerful. They gush through the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, providing about 75% of India’s total rainfall. These winds are loaded with moisture, which is released at the foothills of Himalayas. The rainy season in Kolkata stays from June till September pouring in an average rainfall of 1,582 mm. The month of august has the lion share of this rainfall, receiving about 1/3 rd of it.

The most pleasant and enjoyable season in Kolkata weather is winter. As the rainy winds make way for North East cold winds, the winter sets in. these winds will also be carrying moisture but as they blow from the mighty Himalayas, they turn cold and contain snow. Weather in Kolkata might not experience snowfall but the cold can be felt. Winter in Kolkata is from December to February. Mornings are misty and foggy, which sometimes can be a problem for transportation, especially for airways. Daytime is generally be cool. There are overcast skies most of the time, in the daytime. The temperature drops as the day ends. The average winter temperature ranges between 9 degrees and 11 degrees. When the winter is at its peak, the temperature can drop as low as 5 degrees.

Cyclones are an inseparable part of Kolkata climate and generally of whole of eastern India. As a severe depression is created in this part of the country because of the movement of winds, it attracts more cyclones. One of the most furious cyclones hit Kolkata and surrounding areas in 1864, killing almost 60,000 people in a span of few days. Along with this, property and crops worth millions were destroyed. A cyclone of category 4 or 5 is likely to hit Kolkata every year because of its geographical location. Even though people are aware of such dangers, millions continue to live in this beautiful city owing to its pleasant climate and lively atmosphere.

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Kolkata weather , Kolkata , Weather in Kolkata

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