West Bengal polls Phase 2: Heat, thunderstorms forecast for 142 constituencies on voting day
Synopsis
Voters heading to the polls in West Bengal's second phase on 28 April face a double challenge: sweltering heat through the day and a Nor'wester threatening to strike after 3 pm — right in the middle of voting hours. With wind speeds up to 60 km/h forecast for key districts including East Burdwan and Howrah, weather could become an unexpected variable in a high-stakes election.
Key Takeaways
The second and final phase of West Bengal Assembly elections covers 142 constituencies on Wednesday, 28 April .
The Kolkata Met Office has warned of a Nor'wester after 3 pm , coinciding with active voting hours.
Wind speeds of 50–60 km/h forecast for East Burdwan , Howrah , Hooghly , Bankura , and West Midnapore .
A heavy rain warning has been specifically issued for East Burdwan and adjacent districts.
North Bengal faces very heavy rain of up to 200 mm in Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri on Thursday.
Temperatures in Kolkata may drop by 3–4 degrees Celsius after rainfall, but high humidity will keep discomfort elevated.
The Kolkata Meteorological Office has predicted sweltering heat followed by a high possibility of thunderstorms and rain on Wednesday, 28 April, the day of the second and final phase of voting in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Voters across 142 constituencies in south Bengal districts and Kolkata are expected to face intense heat through the day before conditions deteriorate sharply in the afternoon.
Weather Conditions on Polling Day
The sky is forecast to remain overcast through the morning and afternoon, with a high possibility of a Nor'wester — locally known as Kalbaishakhi — striking after 3 pm, potentially coinciding with active voting hours. According to a Met Department official, wind speeds of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour are expected in East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Bankura, West Midnapore, Howrah, and Hooghly districts. A thunderstorm with rain warning is in place for the remaining polling areas.
"A thunderstorm and hailstorm warning has been issued on the polling day. Wind speeds of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour are expected in East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Bankura, West Midnapore, Howrah, and Hooghly districts. A thunderstorm with rain warning is in place for the rest of the places which will go to the polls tomorrow," the official said.
Districts Under Weather Alert
The weather forecast covers Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, East Burdwan, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas — all of which are scheduled to vote in Phase 2. A heavy rain warning has been specifically issued for East Burdwan and its adjacent districts. The Kolkata Met office has also extended a four-day thunderstorm and rain warning for south Bengal districts and Kolkata.
On Tuesday, the day before polling, there was already a possibility of thunderstorms and rain later in the day. The anticipated rainfall could bring the temperature in Kolkata down by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, offering some relief from the heat. However, Met officials cautioned that high humidity levels will keep the discomfort index elevated through the daytime.
Impact on Voter Turnout
The dual challenge of scorching daytime heat and the threat of afternoon thunderstorms raises concerns about voter participation, particularly among elderly and differently-abled voters. Election officials and polling parties in low-lying areas of South 24 Parganas and Nadia have been put on alert. This comes amid an already high-stakes second phase that encompasses the state capital Kolkata, where several high-profile contests are being decided.
North Bengal Weather Outlook
In north Bengal districts — where the first phase of polling has already concluded — rain intensity is forecast to increase further through the week. On Thursday, the Met office has warned of very heavy rainfall of up to 200 mm in Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts. Thunderstorms and rains are expected to continue in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Cooch Behar throughout the week, with temperatures in the northern districts likely to drop by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius as a result.
With weather conditions set to remain volatile across Bengal through the week, authorities and voters alike will be navigating both political and meteorological uncertainty in the days ahead.
Point of View
But it should. A Nor'wester after 3 pm on polling day is not a minor inconvenience — it can suppress turnout in the final two hours, disproportionately affecting voters in rural and flood-prone pockets of South 24 Parganas and Nadia. Given how closely contested several Bengal seats are, even a marginal dip in turnout in specific booths can swing outcomes. Election authorities would do well to extend polling hours or pre-position shelters, rather than leave voters to choose between rain and their franchise.
NationPress
3 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather forecast for West Bengal Phase 2 polling day on 28 April?
The Kolkata Met Office has predicted sweltering heat through the day followed by thunderstorms and rain, with a Nor'wester likely after 3 pm. Wind speeds of 50 to 60 km/h are expected in districts including East Burdwan, Howrah, and Hooghly.
Which districts are covered under the West Bengal Phase 2 weather alert?
The weather alert covers Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, East Burdwan, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas — all going to the polls in Phase 2. A specific heavy rain warning has been issued for East Burdwan and its adjacent districts.
How many constituencies are voting in West Bengal Phase 2?
A total of 142 constituencies in south Bengal districts and Kolkata are voting in the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on 28 April.
Will the thunderstorms affect voting hours in West Bengal?
The Nor'wester is forecast to arrive after 3 pm, which could coincide with active voting hours. Authorities and polling parties in low-lying areas have reportedly been put on alert, though no official decision on extended polling hours has been announced.
What is the weather outlook for north Bengal after Phase 2?
North Bengal faces worsening conditions, with very heavy rainfall of up to 200 mm forecast for Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri on Thursday. Thunderstorms and rain are expected to continue in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Cooch Behar throughout the week.
