Kolkata Weather: Evening Showers and Heavy Rainfall Expected in North Bengal Kolkata is set to experience some relief from the intense daytime heat as thunderstorms and light rain are forecast for Sunday evening. However, the city is unlikely to see a significant drop in temperatures in the coming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 34.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, one degree below the normal range, while the minimum temperature settled at 28.4 degrees Celsius, nearly two degrees above the average. The persistently high nighttime temperatures have contributed to a sense of discomfort across the city. The IMD has predicted light rain and thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds ranging from 30 to 40 km/h in Kolkata and its surrounding districts on Sunday evening. Similar weather conditions are expected in Howrah, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Bankura, and Purba Bardhaman. The seven-day forecast indicates that Kolkata may see light rain or thundershowers every day until May 24. However, the weather office has noted that there will be no substantial change in the maximum temperatures across south Bengal during this period. On Monday, May 18, Kolkata is expected to record a maximum temperature of around 35 degrees Celsius, with the minimum temperature hovering near 28 degrees Celsius. Similar conditions are likely to persist on Tuesday and Wednesday, with intermittent cloudiness and brief rain spells. Daytime temperatures are projected to remain between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius through Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, while the minimum temperatures may stay within the 27 to 28 degrees Celsius range. The weather department has also issued thunderstorm alerts for several districts in south Bengal until Monday.#kolkata #howrah #south_24_parganas #hooghly #east_midnapore
Cameras Installed on Sensitive Booth Routes to Ensure Voter Safety Amid Reports of Obstruction The Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified security measures for sensitive polling booths ahead of the second phase of West Bengal’s 2026 assembly elections. Following reports of voter obstruction and political tensions in previous elections, the commission has deployed advanced surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, to monitor high-risk areas. These efforts aim to prevent disruptions and ensure a peaceful voting process. The ECI has categorized polling booths into three levels of sensitivity: sensitive, super sensitive, and super super sensitive. This classification is based on historical data, including past incidents of unrest, political disputes, and allegations of electoral malpractice. For super super sensitive booths, the commission has mandated the installation of three cameras—two inside the booth and one on the approach road. The third camera, placed outside, is designed to monitor voter movement and detect any unauthorized interference. This measure follows a 2024 incident in West Bengal where CCTV footage uncovered irregularities in some booths, prompting stricter protocols. In the first phase of the election, which covered 142 constituencies, the ECI reported no major incidents of voter intimidation, booth jams, or rigging. However, the commission emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, particularly in densely populated urban areas such as Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly. To support real-time monitoring, the ECI has collaborated with telecom providers to ensure 4G coverage in all polling regions.#kolkata #west_bengal #election_commission_of_india #howrah #2026_assembly_elections
Red Alert in Bengal: Severe Storm with 80 km/h Winds and Heavy Rain Expected Within Hours A severe storm with winds reaching up to 80 kilometers per hour is expected to hit the region within the next few hours, accompanied by intense lightning and heavy rainfall. The weather department has issued a red alert for Kolkata, Howrah, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and East Medinipur districts. The warning was announced in the late afternoon on April 8, with the storm and rain forecasted to arrive by 7:05 PM. The alert highlights the imminent threat of extreme weather conditions, including violent thunderstorms, torrential rains, and lightning strikes. Authorities have urged residents to take immediate precautions, emphasizing the need to stay indoors and avoid open areas. The advisory also warns against lingering near trees, power lines, or bodies of water during the storm. The weather update specifies that the severe weather will last for the next 2-3 hours, with lightning strikes posing a significant risk. The storm is expected to bring down trees and cause damage to infrastructure. Local authorities have advised people to remain in safe shelters and avoid any unnecessary travel. In addition to the storm warnings, the alert includes specific safety measures. Residents are instructed to stay away from open fields, avoid contact with electrical equipment, and ensure that windows and doors are securely closed. The advisory also mentions the possibility of power outages and recommends keeping emergency supplies ready. The red alert comes as part of a broader weather pattern affecting the region, with heavy rainfall and strong winds already causing disruptions. Meteorologists have noted that the storm is part of an active weather system that has been intensifying over the past few days.#kolkata #howrah #south_24_parganas #north_24_parganas #east_medinipur
Rain Forecast for West Bengal: Heavy Downpours and Thunderstorms Expected Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to affect Kolkata and surrounding areas, including Howrah, Hooghly, and the coastal districts of South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas, starting from late Sunday. The weather advisory warns of strong winds reaching 60-70 kilometers per hour, with lightning and thunder accompanying the storms. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a warning for the entire state, predicting continuous rainfall across all districts from Wednesday. In the southern regions, including Birbhum, Barddhaman, Bakura, Hooghly, and Howrah, wind speeds could reach 60-70 km/h, while other areas may experience winds of 50-60 km/h. Northern districts like Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong are also expected to see thunderstorms on Wednesday. The forecast indicates that the southern parts of West Bengal will see heavy rainfall for the next three days, with temperatures dropping by 3-5 degrees Celsius. However, the intensity is expected to decrease afterward, though light to moderate rain may continue in northern regions. The coastal areas of West Bengal and Odisha will face rough seas, and fishermen are advised to avoid venturing out until Wednesday. The weather pattern is part of an ongoing monsoon system, with the southern districts experiencing a significant drop in temperature. The advisory also notes that the sea conditions will remain turbulent, posing risks to maritime activities. The weather service has highlighted the potential for severe weather, urging residents to stay prepared for sudden changes in conditions. The forecast underscores the need for vigilance, particularly in areas prone to flooding and landslides.#kolkata #west_bengal #howrah #south_24_parganas #hooghly
Perambur ICF Factory Targets Production of 260 Vande Bharat Trains with Sleeper Facilities Chennai’s Perambur Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is currently manufacturing Vande Bharat trains equipped with sleeper accommodations. The initiative aims to expand the fleet of these high-speed trains, which are designed to provide improved comfort and efficiency for passengers. The first Vande Bharat Express, a flagship project of India’s railway system, was launched in 2019 between Delhi and Varanasi. As of now, over 150 Vande Bharat trains are in operation across the country, but they primarily run during daytime hours, offering only seating arrangements. To address the need for overnight travel, the factory is now producing sleeper-class Vande Bharat trains. These trains are specifically designed to operate during nighttime, providing passengers with a more comfortable and restful journey. The first service of this type, featuring sleeper facilities, was introduced between Howrah and Kanyakumari in January 2026. This new service has been well-received, particularly among travelers who require overnight travel options. The Indian Railways Ministry has plans to significantly expand the network of sleeper-class Vande Bharat trains. Over the next three years, the ministry aims to operate more than 200 such trains, enhancing connectivity and convenience for passengers. To meet this demand, the Ministry of Railways has been continuously placing orders with the Perambur ICF factory. According to railway officials, the factory has set a target to manufacture 260 sleeper-equipped Vande Bharat trains within the next three years. The introduction of sleeper facilities in Vande Bharat trains marks a significant advancement in India’s rail infrastructure.#kanyakumari #perambur_icf_factory #vande_bharat_trains #indian_railways_ministry #howrah
