Residents of Kolkata and nearby areas should prepare for a spell of thunderstorms and rainfall over the next few days, according to the India Meteorological
Department. The weather shift has already impacted daily life, with polling day in the city witnessing disruptions due to rain and strong winds. Despite the conditions, voter turnout remained above 90 per cent. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for the city, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph. Rainfall activity is expected to continue till May 2, 2026. "A cyclonic circulation is present over North Bengal, and the condition for thunderstorms has been created due to the entry of a large amount of water vapour from the east-west low-pressure axis and the Bay of Bengal. Therefore, there is a high chance of thunderstorms accompanied by rain occurring later in the day," a Met department official told IANS.
Kolkata Weather Today: Seven Day Forecast And What To Expect
The latest forecast indicates fluctuating weather conditions throughout the week. April 30 is expected to see rain or thundershowers with strong winds, followed by thunderstorms with rain on May 1 and May 2. Between May 3 and May 5, skies are likely to remain partly cloudy with chances of moderate rain or thunderstorms.
The weather pattern is driven by moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal and favourable wind conditions. The IMD has stated that thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds could impact several districts including Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman, Bankura and Paschim Medinipur till May 3.
Red Alert In Bengal Districts, Safety Advisory Issued
The Regional Meteorological Centre has also issued a red alert for western districts of West Bengal, warning of heavy rainfall and lightning.“The Nor’Wester that hit Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore has travelled to Kolkata with accompanied wind speeds of approximately 70 kmph," RMC head H.R. Biswas told The Telegraph. “Over the course of the night, we can see up to 200 or 300 mm of rainfall,” he added.
Heavy rainfall is also expected in sub Himalayan districts such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar till May 3. Authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the West Bengal and north Odisha coasts till May 2.
Residents are advised to stay updated with weather alerts, avoid open areas during lightning, and plan travel carefully as sudden downpours and strong winds may disrupt normal routines.
