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
Bengal Elections 2026: Election Commission Deploys Additional Counting Observers for 293 Constituencies The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed 138 additional counting observers to oversee the vote tallying process in 293 Assembly constituencies across West Bengal, as the state’s polls progress. This brings the total number of counting observers to 294, with one observer assigned per constituency. The counting exercise is set to begin on Monday at 8 a.m., following the cancellation of elections in Falta, South 24-Parganas, which will be repolling on May 21. All counting observers are central government employees, ensuring a neutral and structured oversight mechanism. The deployment of additional observers is aimed at addressing concerns raised in previous elections, particularly in constituencies where close contests are anticipated. A poll panel official explained that the extra observers will assist existing teams in areas with multiple counting rooms, preventing potential disputes or manipulation. Sources noted that rival political parties’ agents often exert pressure on counting personnel to influence outcomes in tight races. The presence of additional observers is intended to maintain impartiality and reduce the risk of bias. North 24-Parganas will have the highest number of additional observers, with 49 assigned to its 33 Assembly seats, followed by South 24-Parganas with 44 for its 30 constituencies. The ECI has also implemented a randomized system to assign counting personnel, ensuring that no individual knows in advance which table they will be assigned to within a constituency. This measure, finalized through a third randomization process conducted by the Returning Officer in the presence of an ECI observer at 5 a.m.#west_bengal #trinamool_congress #bharatiya_janata_party #election_commission_of_india #south_24_parganas
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
WB Weather Update: MeT Predicts Temperature Rise in West Bengal on the Second Week of April The West Bengal Meteorological Department has issued an update indicating that temperatures across the state are expected to rise during the second week of April. The forecast highlights a potential increase in heat, with the possibility of severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, particularly in the latter part of the week. According to the department, the maximum temperature in the metropolitan area of Kolkata could reach 37 degrees Celsius on Saturday. However, there is an anticipated gradual decrease in temperatures, with a drop of three to four degrees Celsius expected by the start of the following week. The weather forecast also warns of the possibility of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, particularly in the afternoon hours, which could lead to localized flooding and disruption of daily activities. The report further mentions that the humidity levels are expected to remain high, with the relative humidity ranging between 49% and 86%. This increased moisture in the air is likely to contribute to a sense of discomfort for residents, especially during the warmer hours of the day. The department has also issued advisories for both South and North Bengal, highlighting the potential for varying weather patterns across different regions. In South Bengal, the forecast indicates that thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are likely to occur from Saturday to Wednesday, with the intensity of the storms expected to increase on Sunday and Monday. The report warns that the wind speeds could reach up to 50-60 kilometers per hour, accompanied by the possibility of hailstorms.#kolkata #west_bengal #west_bengal_meteorological_department #south_24_parganas #north_24_parganas
