Kolkata sits on the Hooghly River near the Bay of Bengal and receives about 1,600 mm (roughly 63 inches) of rain a year, most of it during the summer monsoon from June through September, supplemented by occasional pre-monsoon thunderstorms known locally as “Nor’westers” that can bring sudden, intense downpours and squally winds. The city’s flat, low-lying delta terrain and aging drainage network mean that heavy monsoon rain, especially when it coincides with high tide on the Hooghly, can leave streets waterlogged for hours or days at a time. Bay of Bengal cyclones occasionally track close enough to the region to add extreme rainfall on top of an already active monsoon. Because flooding risk here tracks closely with short-term rainfall intensity and tidal timing rather than the season’s total alone, radar imagery is a genuinely practical tool for residents judging whether to delay travel during an active monsoon spell. The India Meteorological Department operates radar coverage for the Kolkata region.
Learn more: Flash Flood Warning Signs on Radar · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Kolkata right now?
The map above shows recent radar observations over Kolkata, West Bengal where coverage is available. Use the map legend and timestamp to interpret the imagery. A blank map over Kolkata can mean no detected precipitation, missing coverage, delayed data, or rain too light for radar to detect.
How often does the Kolkata rain radar update?
Updates depend on the radar provider and local network. Check the timestamp on the map for the latest available frame, and press play to compare recent observations. Radar imagery can lag conditions on the ground.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Kolkata?
Press play to compare recent radar frames over West Bengal and see the direction of detected rain. This can help you assess approaching showers near Kolkata, but storms can grow or change direction; check your local weather service for forecasts and warnings.
Is this Kolkata rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.