S Bengal got 8% more rain this monsoon, north 13% less

Kolkata: Powerful Bay systems, including depressions and low-pressure areas, kept the monsoon on track in Bengal in 2026. In Kolkata, the seasonal rain surplus was 28% and in South Bengal, the rain excess was 8%. North Bengal had a seasonal rain deficit of 13%. A deviation of plus or minus 15% is considered to be within normal range.In meteorological parameters, June-Sept is counted as the monsoon season. During this period, Kolkata recorded 1,718.9 mm rainfall against a normal of 1,345.5 mm. Overall, South Bengal logged 1,265.3 mm against the normal 1,166.8 mm. North Bengal recorded 1,647.1 mm against the normal value of 1,882.8 mm.Six monsoon depressions — two each in July, Aug and Sept — had formed over Bay of Bengal, with three intensifying into deep depressions. These systems ensured the monsoon current remained active on most days during the season.“Five out of these six depressions had an impact in the rain intensity and frequency in Bengal. Systems like these are important during the monsoon for sufficient rain,” said H R Biswas, head at Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata.Additionally, five low-pressure areas formed over north Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal states — one in July, three in Aug and one in Sept. These, too, significantly influenced Bengal in terms of rain.According to a special monsoon report by IMD, the rain surplus was highest in East Midnapore at 48%, followed by West Midnapore at 40% and North 24 Parganas at 29%.“During monsoon, 101% of the long-period average (LPA) rainfall has occurred over Bengal,” the IMD special monsoon analysis report said.This year, the southwest monsoon arrived in North Bengal on June 9. It then advanced over most parts of South Bengal, including Kolkata, on June 12. By June 15, it had covered all of the state.The monsoon started retreating from parts of Bengal by Oct 12 and by Oct 15, it had departed from the state completely. Monsoon’s departure is considered normal when it happens between the first and second weeks of Oct.Despite Oct, Nov and Dec being known for cyclonic storms developing over Bay of Bengal, the Met office has ruled out any such system in the next two weeks.“We see no big system over Bay of Bengal in the next 10 days that could bring heavy rain,” added Biswas.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in KolkataStay updated with the latest Kolkata news. Download the TOI App.