Kolkata, October 5, 2026: Kolkata is waking up to the familiar early-October combination of warmth and humidity, with the city yet to experience the sustained autumn coolness that many residents typically begin looking forward to at this time of the year. The latest observations from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) show that temperatures remained in the upper 20s overnight, while humidity continued to be high across several parts of the city. 

At the Alipore observatory, the temperature was recorded at 28.6°C with relative humidity at 88% at 8.30pm on Sunday, with winds remaining calm. The Dum Dum station recorded around 28°C and 94% humidity, indicating that the moisture-laden atmosphere was particularly noticeable in the northern parts of the metropolitan area. 

The conditions come after another warm day across Kolkata. According to the IMD’s latest recorded observations, Alipore had registered a maximum temperature of 32.6°C on October 3, while Dum Dum touched 33.6°C. Howrah was warmer at 35.5°C, highlighting the variations that can occur across the densely built-up urban belt. 

The weather is therefore unlikely to feel particularly autumnal during the afternoon. Even if the morning begins relatively comfortably, rising temperatures combined with persistent moisture can make the day feel warmer than the thermometer suggests. The IMD’s Greater Kolkata monitoring system was showing temperatures around 30°C in Alipore, with readings of about 30.6°C at Fort William, 31.2°C in Jadavpur and 30.5°C near Victoria during its latest update. 

What makes Monday’s weather particularly notable is the contrast between the calendar and the conditions on the ground. October has traditionally been associated with the gradual retreat of the monsoon and the beginning of a drier, more comfortable phase in Bengal. However, the transition is rarely instantaneous. Kolkata can continue to experience humid mornings and warm afternoons before the atmosphere finally begins to lose its monsoonal character.

The latest regional weather outlook also suggests that the transition towards drier conditions is approaching. A report published by the Bengali edition of Indian Express on Sunday said the weather department expects the process of monsoon withdrawal from West Bengal to begin between October 8 and 14, though the exact timing will depend on sustained changes in rainfall, humidity and the arrival of drier winds from northern India. 

For Kolkata, that transition could gradually bring down the oppressive humidity that has been a persistent feature of the city’s weather. Until then, residents may have to contend with the familiar October pattern of warm afternoons followed by relatively sticky evenings.

Rain, however, cannot be completely ruled out during this transition period. While the broad trend is towards comparatively drier weather in southern Bengal, isolated spells of light rain or thunderstorms can still occur when atmospheric moisture and local weather systems combine. The latest regional forecast reported by Indian Express indicated that parts of south Bengal could still receive occasional rain, although the possibility of widespread heavy rainfall in Kolkata appears limited. 

The rainfall pattern over the previous day also underlined how uneven precipitation can be across the Kolkata region. IMD observations for October 4 showed 23.8mm of rain at Dum Dum, while Alipore recorded no rainfall. Salt Lake received 3.5mm. Such differences are not unusual in the city, where short-lived convective showers can affect one neighbourhood while leaving another largely dry. 

For commuters, the combination of humidity and afternoon warmth could remain the bigger concern than rain on Monday. People stepping out during the middle of the day may find conditions uncomfortable, particularly in areas with heavy traffic and limited shade. Those travelling for long periods would be better off carrying water and avoiding prolonged exposure to the afternoon sun.

The city’s changing weather is also being watched closely because the next few days mark an important seasonal transition. Once the monsoon withdrawal establishes itself, Kolkata generally begins moving towards clearer skies, lower humidity and cooler nights. The change is often gradual rather than dramatic, but the difference becomes increasingly noticeable as October progresses.

For now, however, Kolkata remains caught between two seasons. The city has moved beyond the peak monsoon phase, but the unmistakable signs of post-monsoon weather have not fully settled in. Warm afternoons, moisture-heavy air and occasional localised showers continue to dominate the pattern.

The IMD’s latest observations also show that humidity remains significantly elevated across the wider metropolitan area. Diamond Harbour, for instance, recorded 97% humidity, while Dum Dum was at 94% during the latest observation period. Such high moisture levels explain why even temperatures in the high 20s can feel considerably warmer and more uncomfortable than expected. 

Kolkata’s Monday, therefore, is likely to be less about a sudden weather change and more about a city slowly edging towards autumn. The immediate forecast may offer some respite from prolonged rain, but residents should not expect a sharp drop in temperature just yet. The more significant change is likely to come as the monsoon withdrawal progresses later this week and into the following days.

For those hoping for the characteristic “pujo weather”—clearer skies, cooler evenings and a noticeable reduction in humidity—the signs are encouraging, but patience may still be required. The weather department’s expected withdrawal window of October 8-14 could prove to be the next important milestone for Kolkata’s seasonal transition.