KOLKATA: October 8, 2026 — Kolkata is likely to wake up to a humid and unsettled weather pattern on Thursday, with cloudy conditions and spells of rain expected to dominate parts of the day. After a brief indication that the southwest monsoon was gradually retreating from Bengal, the city and neighbouring parts of south Bengal are once again under the influence of rain-producing weather systems, bringing the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.

According to the latest forecast available for Kolkata, the city is likely to record a minimum temperature of around 24–25°C, while the maximum may remain around 31–32°C. The combination of moisture and relatively weak winds could make the afternoon feel considerably warmer than the actual temperature. A forecast for Kolkata indicates moderate rain with generally cloudy conditions, with temperatures expected to remain in the upper 20s to low 30s through much of the day. 

The India Meteorological Department’s latest warning bulletin has placed Gangetic West Bengal under a heavy-rain and thunderstorm/lightning warning for October 8, with thunderstorm activity also expected on October 9. The department has indicated that the situation is likely to ease thereafter, with no warning currently listed for October 10 onwards. 

For Kolkata, the developing weather scenario is particularly significant because the city is entering the period when residents traditionally look forward to more settled skies and comfortable evenings ahead of Durga Puja. Instead, atmospheric moisture and the presence of weather systems over the region could keep conditions changeable over the next couple of days.

The latest Regional Meteorological Centre Kolkata information shows that the city’s atmosphere remains humid. At the Alipore station, the evening observation on October 7 recorded 28.4°C with 83% relative humidity, while Dum Dum recorded around 28°C. Such high moisture levels can contribute to a sticky feel even when temperatures are not exceptionally high. 

The rain threat is not confined to the city. The latest weather developments indicate that several parts of south Bengal may receive thunderstorms and showers, with Kolkata, Howrah and South 24 Parganas among the areas that could see spells of rain. Local weather reports have also warned of winds reaching around 30–40 kmph during thunderstorms in parts of south Bengal. 

This means that rainfall may not necessarily be continuous throughout the day. Instead, Kolkata could see periods of cloudy weather interrupted by short spells of rain or thunderstorms. Such a pattern can make conditions particularly unpredictable for commuters, office-goers and those planning outdoor activities.

The Bay of Bengal is also playing a role in keeping moisture available over the region. The latest coastal bulletin from the Kolkata meteorological centre said rain or thundershowers were very likely at many places along the West Bengal coast, while the wider Bay of Bengal continued to see scattered or isolated rain and thundershower activity. 

For Kolkata residents, the biggest concern during an active thunderstorm will be sudden gusty winds and lightning. People travelling on two-wheelers, walking through open areas or waiting under trees may face additional risks when thunderstorms develop. The latest regional warning has specifically highlighted thunderstorm and lightning activity, making it advisable to avoid exposed locations during an active spell.

The city’s weather could also have an impact on traffic. Even a relatively short spell of intense rain can slow movement on busy roads, particularly during peak office hours. Water accumulation may become a problem in vulnerable low-lying stretches if rainfall becomes locally heavy. However, the available forecast does not suggest that Kolkata is headed for a prolonged period of uninterrupted heavy rain.

Temperatures are expected to remain relatively moderate compared with the intense heat experienced during summer, but humidity will continue to be the main source of discomfort. Forecast data puts the maximum temperature around 31–32°C, while the minimum could remain close to 24–25°C. Another weather forecast puts the probability of rain at around 60% for the day, reinforcing the likelihood of intermittent rather than completely dry conditions. 

The extended outlook suggests that Friday could remain unsettled as well, with thunderstorms and rain still possible. From Saturday onwards, conditions are expected to gradually become less disturbed, although partly cloudy skies and occasional thunderstorm chances cannot be ruled out immediately. Forecast guidance currently shows temperatures moving back towards the 32–33°C range over the weekend. 

The changing weather comes at an important time for Kolkata, with Durga Puja preparations gathering pace across the city. From pandal construction and last-minute shopping to evening outings and outdoor shoots, thousands of activities depend on relatively stable weather. Any sudden shower or thunderstorm can temporarily disrupt these plans, even if the rain does not last for long.

For Thursday, therefore, Kolkata’s weather story is less about a dramatic drop in temperature and more about instability. The city may remain warm and humid, but clouds, rain and thunderstorms could repeatedly change the conditions through the day. Residents should keep an umbrella handy, allow additional travel time and remain alert to lightning and gusty winds if a thunderstorm develops.

With the southwest monsoon in its withdrawal phase but atmospheric moisture still present over Bengal, Kolkata’s October weather is proving that the transition from monsoon to the more comfortable post-monsoon season is unlikely to be completely smooth. For now, the forecast points towards a cloudy, humid and rain-prone Thursday, with the possibility of thunderstorms adding an element of uncertainty to the city’s day.