Kolkata weather today: October heat returns as skies turn mostly dry, but brief showers remain possible

KOLKATA: October has begun with a noticeable shift in Kolkata’s weather, but the city is yet to get a complete break from the humidity. On Friday, October 2, Kolkata woke up to warm and humid conditions, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recording a temperature of 27.6°C and relative humidity of 94% at 5.30am at Alipore. Winds were calm at the time of observation.

The early-morning humidity, however, is not expected to define the entire day. Weather forecasts indicate that temperatures will climb steadily as the sun strengthens, with the city likely to experience a predominantly dry and warm afternoon. The Times of India weather forecast puts Friday’s maximum at around 33.9°C, with a minimum near 25.8°C. The weather is expected to feel warmer than the actual temperature, particularly during the afternoon hours. 

For Kolkata residents, the more interesting part of the weather story is the changing character of the monsoon. The city has already experienced a few days of relatively clear conditions, although localised showers continue to remain a possibility. According to a report published by The Times of India on Friday, intense rain affected parts of Kolkata on Thursday after several largely clear and sunny days. Meteorological officials said such isolated showers could still occur before the monsoon finally withdraws from the region, but there is currently no major weather system over the Bay of Bengal expected to produce widespread heavy rain. 

This makes Friday’s weather somewhat different from the classic rain-heavy Kolkata pattern associated with the peak monsoon. Instead of prolonged rainfall across the city, residents are likely to see a combination of sunshine, heat, humidity and occasional cloud development. Such conditions can make the weather feel considerably warmer during the middle of the day even when the morning begins relatively comfortably.

The IMD’s latest observations also point towards a relatively quiet weather phase over Gangetic West Bengal. Its October 2 warning bulletin does not place Gangetic West Bengal under a weather warning for October 2 or the following several days. The bulletin does, however, show thunderstorm and lightning-related warnings for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on October 2 and 3, while no such warning is listed for Gangetic West Bengal. 

For Kolkata, this means there is currently no indication of a major spell of widespread rain disrupting the city today. People heading out for work, shopping or evening activities can expect a largely warm day, although the possibility of a short, localised shower cannot be completely ruled out during this transitional period.

The humidity remains an important factor. Kolkata’s tropical location and proximity to the Bay of Bengal mean that even as the monsoon begins to retreat, moisture can linger in the lower atmosphere. The result is the familiar October combination of bright sunshine and a sticky feel. By afternoon, temperatures in the low-to-mid 30s can therefore feel more oppressive than the thermometer alone suggests.

Friday’s sunshine could also bring a brief reminder that Kolkata’s post-monsoon transition does not immediately mean cooler weather. Forecast data from Timeanddate indicates temperatures around 33.9°C during the day, with the heat index remaining higher than the actual temperature. The forecast also suggests mostly sunny conditions through much of Friday. 

At the same time, the next few days are not expected to be completely free from cloud or rain. Forecast guidance indicates that Saturday could see a chance of a late shower, while further isolated showers remain possible over the following days.  This fits with the broader picture emerging from the IMD and local meteorological reports: Kolkata is moving towards a drier phase, but the final stages of the monsoon can still produce sudden, highly localised rain.

For commuters, the biggest concern today may therefore be the heat rather than continuous rain. Morning humidity can make the first part of the day feel heavy, while strong sunshine around noon and the afternoon can push the apparent temperature higher. Those spending extended periods outdoors may find the afternoon considerably less comfortable than the relatively mild early morning.

The weather also comes at an important seasonal moment for the city. October is when Kolkata gradually moves from the wet monsoon atmosphere towards the more recognisable autumn season. The skies often begin to appear brighter, rainfall becomes less persistent and the city’s famous festive season approaches. But the transition is rarely instantaneous. Short bursts of rain, humid afternoons and sudden changes in cloud cover can continue even as the overall rainfall pattern weakens.

The latest West Bengal forecast published on Friday offers some reassurance on this front. According to the Indian Express’ Bengali service, the latest meteorological assessment indicates that West Bengal is moving towards the withdrawal of the monsoon, with largely dry and clearer weather expected across the state over the coming week. The report also says there is currently no indication of a fresh low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal that would bring another major spell of rain to the state. 

For Kolkata, therefore, October 2 is shaping up as a warm, humid and largely dry day, rather than a washout. The morning begins with considerable moisture in the air, temperatures rise sharply through the day, and sunshine is expected to dominate for much of the afternoon. A brief localised shower remains possible, but there is no current indication of a major citywide rain event.

The larger weather trend is perhaps more significant than today’s temperature alone. Kolkata is entering that familiar period when the monsoon slowly loosens its grip and autumn begins to emerge. The rain may not have disappeared completely yet, but the weather pattern is increasingly pointing towards longer dry spells, hotter afternoons and gradually clearer skies.

For residents, the message from today’s forecast is simple: keep an umbrella handy for Kolkata’s unpredictable local showers, but prepare more for heat and humidity during the daytime. The city may be moving towards autumn, but Friday is still likely to feel distinctly like an extended goodbye to the monsoon rather than the arrival of cooler weather.

Kolkata Weather Snapshot — October 2, 2026: The IMD recorded 27.6°C at 5.30am, with 94% humidity and calm winds at Alipore. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise to around 34°C, while the overall weather remains predominantly dry and warm.