Kolkata: The weather in Kolkata is likely to remain distinctly warm on Sunday, October 4, with the city caught between lingering humidity and the gradual transition from the southwest monsoon towards the drier autumn pattern. After a few days of mostly sunny conditions punctuated by sharp, localised showers in some pockets, the latest forecast suggests that widespread or heavy rain is unlikely to dominate the city’s weather today.

The India Meteorological Department’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata reported a temperature of around 29°C at Alipore late on Saturday night, with humidity at 88% and calm winds. Conditions were somewhat cooler at Dum Dum, where the temperature was around 27.8°C. 

For Sunday, private weather forecasts point towards a warm afternoon, with the maximum temperature expected to reach around 34°C to 35°C, while the minimum could remain close to 26°C. The Times of India forecast puts the maximum at 34.9°C and the minimum at 25.8°C, with only a small chance of rainfall.  Another city forecast similarly places Kolkata’s daytime high around 34°C and describes the day as partly cloudy. 

The combination of rising daytime temperatures and lingering moisture could make the afternoon feel considerably warmer than the thermometer suggests. Kolkata’s October weather often carries this peculiar contrast: the calendar says autumn, but the air can still retain the unmistakable heaviness of the retreating monsoon. The morning may begin relatively comfortable, but temperatures are expected to climb quickly after sunrise, with the hottest period likely around midday and early afternoon.

The latest IMD observations show why humidity remains an important factor in Kolkata’s weather story. At Alipore, the evening temperature on Saturday was recorded at 30.2°C with relative humidity of 73 per cent, while conditions were calm.  With little wind movement, the warmth can linger close to the ground, particularly in densely built-up parts of the city.

Sunday’s forecast, however, does not indicate a major weather disturbance over Kolkata. The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued no warning for Gangetic West Bengal for October 4, and the no-warning outlook currently extends through October 10.  That makes a widespread spell of severe weather unlikely in the immediate forecast period.

This does not necessarily mean that every part of the city will stay completely dry. Kolkata’s recent weather has demonstrated how uneven October showers can be. On Thursday, several pockets of the city experienced intense but highly localised rainfall after a stretch of largely clear weather. According to meteorological officials, such brief showers can continue while the monsoon season gradually winds down, even though there is no major weather system over the Bay of Bengal capable of producing widespread heavy rain. 

For residents, that means Sunday could bring a familiar October pattern — sunshine for much of the day, occasional cloud build-up and the possibility of a passing shower in isolated pockets rather than a citywide rainy spell. Anyone stepping out for Puja shopping or other outdoor plans is therefore more likely to encounter heat and humidity than prolonged rain.

The transition of the monsoon is becoming increasingly visible across the region. Recent reports indicate that the southwest monsoon is approaching its withdrawal phase over West Bengal, with Kolkata and southern Bengal expected to move towards a comparatively drier pattern in the coming days. At the same time, isolated light or moderate showers cannot yet be completely ruled out. 

For Kolkata, the changing weather comes at an important time of the year. The city is moving deeper into the autumn season, with Durga Puja preparations gathering pace and residents spending increasing amounts of time outdoors. Markets, shopping areas and neighbourhoods are expected to remain busy, and the absence of a major rain warning will come as a relief to people planning weekend outings.

However, the afternoon heat could still prove uncomfortable. With forecasts hovering around 34°C or higher, people heading outdoors during the middle of the day may find the conditions noticeably harsher than the relatively pleasant early morning suggests. Light, breathable clothing, adequate hydration and avoiding prolonged exposure during peak afternoon hours would be sensible, particularly for elderly people and those sensitive to heat.

The sky itself may provide some temporary relief. Forecast models suggest partly cloudy to generally cloudy conditions at times, but cloud cover is not necessarily expected to translate into significant rainfall. Instead, Kolkata could experience a mix of sunshine and clouds as the day progresses.

The temperature is expected to ease gradually after late afternoon, although the evening may remain warm and somewhat humid. The forecast indicates that temperatures could fall towards the high 20s after sunset, making the later hours more comfortable than the afternoon.

The coming days also appear relatively stable. Forecast guidance keeps Kolkata’s daytime temperatures in the low-to-mid 30s through the first part of the week, while the possibility of more comfortable conditions emerges later as the seasonal transition progresses. The IMD’s current warning bulletin, meanwhile, does not indicate any warning for Gangetic West Bengal through October 10. 

For now, therefore, Kolkata’s October 4 weather appears to be less about dramatic rain and more about the last stretch of post-monsoon warmth. The city may have officially entered the autumn calendar, but the weather is taking its time to catch up. Sunday is expected to remain hot, humid and largely dry, with isolated cloud development or a brief local shower remaining possible.

For Puja shoppers, commuters and residents planning to spend the day outdoors, the message from the latest forecasts is fairly straightforward: carry water, prepare for strong afternoon heat and keep an umbrella handy, but there is currently no indication of a major rain event disrupting Kolkata today.