Kolkata, October 6, 2026: Kolkata is likely to experience another warm and humid October day on Tuesday, with the city caught between lingering monsoon moisture and the gradual transition towards the post-monsoon season. While the morning may begin on a relatively calm note, residents should remain prepared for a sudden spell of rain or thunderstorm later in the day.

The latest observations from the India Meteorological Department’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata show that Alipore recorded 30.8°C with 69% relative humidity at 5.30pm on Monday, while winds were calm. Dum Dum was slightly cooler at around 29°C, with humidity close to 79%. 

For Tuesday, weather forecasts indicate that the mercury could climb to around 33-34°C, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain in the mid-20s. The combination of high temperatures and lingering moisture is expected to keep the weather feeling considerably warmer and more uncomfortable than the actual temperature suggests. 

The biggest weather story for Kolkata today is not necessarily widespread rain, but the possibility of isolated thunderstorms, lightning and sudden showers. The IMD has issued a thunderstorm and lightning warning for Gangetic West Bengal for October 6, with similar warnings continuing through October 8. 

This comes after several parts of Kolkata experienced rain and lightning during the past few days. The recent showers have generally been localised, meaning one neighbourhood can receive a sharp spell of rain while another part of the city remains largely dry.

Such conditions are typical during the transition period when considerable heat and atmospheric moisture can help trigger towering thunderclouds. The Telegraph, citing a Met official, reported that Sunday’s Kolkata rain was associated with a localised thunderstorm and that Alipore recorded less than 2mm of rainfall. 

For commuters, this means the weather could change quickly. A bright or partly cloudy afternoon could give way to dark clouds, gusty winds, lightning and a brief burst of rain without necessarily resulting in a prolonged city-wide downpour.

Even when rainfall is limited, humidity is likely to remain one of the defining features of Kolkata’s weather. The city has continued to retain considerable atmospheric moisture, making afternoons feel sticky and uncomfortable.

The relatively high humidity, combined with temperatures touching the low-to-mid 30s, could make outdoor activities tiring, particularly during the afternoon. People heading out for work, shopping or Puja preparations may therefore find the heat more oppressive than the thermometer reading alone indicates.

The weather may feel somewhat more comfortable during periods of cloud cover or following a shower, but that relief could be temporary as humidity rises again once the rain stops.

With Durga Puja approaching, the weather assumes added importance for Kolkata. Markets across the city have already begun witnessing substantial crowds as people complete their festive shopping. 

The possibility of sudden thunderstorms could therefore create some disruption, particularly during the afternoon and evening when shopping areas are at their busiest. Temporary waterlogging in low-lying stretches, slippery roads and slower traffic are possible if a strong shower moves across the city.

However, the present forecast does not indicate that Kolkata is heading towards a prolonged spell of continuous heavy rain. Instead, the pattern appears more consistent with short-duration, intermittent and localised showers accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas.

Tuesday’s weather also comes against the backdrop of the southwest monsoon gradually preparing to withdraw from Bengal. According to an extended-range forecast cited by The Telegraph, the monsoon could withdraw from Bengal between October 8 and 14, compared with the usual withdrawal period around October 10. 

The transition does not mean that rain will immediately disappear from Kolkata. In fact, the next few days could continue to see isolated showers and thunderstorms as atmospheric moisture remains available.

The IMD’s latest warning indicates thunderstorm and lightning activity for Gangetic West Bengal on October 6, 7 and 8, before the warning period becomes quieter from October 9. 

Tuesday is therefore likely to bring a warm, humid and potentially stormy weather mix. Temperatures could reach around 33-34°C, while clouds may build at intervals. Most of the city may remain dry for substantial portions of the day, but isolated rain cannot be ruled out.

The possibility of lightning makes it advisable for residents to exercise caution if thunderstorms develop. Outdoor plans, particularly in open areas, may need to be kept flexible. Motorists should also be prepared for reduced visibility and slippery roads if a sudden shower hits during peak traffic hours.

The coming days are expected to retain a similar transitional character. Forecasts point towards temperatures remaining around the low-to-mid 30s, with rain or thunderstorm activity still possible before conditions gradually become drier as the monsoon retreats. 

For Kolkata, then, October has not quite delivered the crisp post-monsoon feel yet. The heat remains, the humidity lingers and the skies still have the potential to turn dramatic without much warning. As the city moves closer to Durga Puja, residents may have to keep both sunglasses and umbrellas within reach.