Heavy rain, thunderstorms to lash Kolkata, 4 south Bengal districts for 2 days
Synopsis
The Meteorological Department has upgraded its warning to an orange alert for Kolkata and four south Bengal districts as heavy rain and thunderstorms are set to continue for two days from 7 October. The monsoon has not fully withdrawn from West Bengal, keeping moisture levels high — with dry weather only expected from Saturday.
Key Takeaways
Kolkata and four south Bengal districts — Howrah , Hooghly , South 24 Parganas , and North 24 Parganas — are under an orange alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected alongside rainfall over the next two days.
The Meteorological Department upgraded the warning from yellow to orange on Wednesday, 7 October 2026 .
Thunderstorms are also expected in North Bengal districts until Friday .
Dry weather is forecast from Saturday , with lower rain probability through Sunday.
The monsoon has not fully withdrawn from West Bengal, keeping atmospheric moisture elevated.
Kolkata and four south Bengal districts are bracing for moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms over the next two days, the Meteorological Department warned on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. The affected districts — Howrah, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas — have been placed under an upgraded orange alert, signalling heightened risk.
Alert Upgraded to Orange
The Meteorological Department initially issued a yellow alert for the four south Bengal districts before upgrading it to an orange alert later in the day, reflecting the increasing intensity of weather conditions. Gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected to accompany the rain in several locations. Kolkata remained overcast since Wednesday morning, with a thunderstorm sweeping through the city in the afternoon, bringing heavy downpours.
Officials noted that the possibility of further thunderstorms was likely to increase after Wednesday evening. On Tuesday, light to moderate rain had already been recorded across parts of Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, and North 24 Parganas, before conditions intensified the following afternoon.
Why the Rain Continues
According to a Met department official, the monsoon has not fully withdrawn from West Bengal, and atmospheric moisture levels remain high. ‘Light to moderate rain is likely in all districts of south Bengal on Thursday. Thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30 to 40 km per hour are likely to occur along with the rain. Thunderstorms are also expected in the districts of North Bengal till Friday,’ the official said. The combination of a lingering monsoon system and locally formed clouds is driving the scattered but persistent rainfall across the region.
When Will Conditions Ease
The weather office indicated that Friday may bring scattered showers, after which conditions are expected to improve significantly. Dry weather is forecast to set in from Saturday, with the probability of rain remaining relatively low through Sunday. Despite the ongoing rainfall, there has been no significant change in temperature. The minimum temperature is expected to dip only once dry weather takes hold.
Impact on Citizens
Residents across Kolkata and the four flagged districts are advised to remain cautious during evening hours, when the risk of thunderstorms is highest. The orange alert indicates that disruption to daily commutes, outdoor activities, and local infrastructure is possible. This comes amid the broader seasonal transition as West Bengal awaits the full monsoon withdrawal — a period historically associated with sudden, intense weather spells that can catch urban areas off guard.
Point of View
The post-monsoon cool-down gets delayed, stretching the humid discomfort that affects daily life and public health in dense urban centres like Kolkata. The department's forecast of dry weather from Saturday is encouraging, but the monsoon's incomplete withdrawal means another active spell cannot be ruled out if moisture conditions persist.
NationPress
7 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas are under orange alert for rain in West Bengal?
The four south Bengal districts of Howrah, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas, along with Kolkata, are under an orange alert issued by the Meteorological Department on 7 October 2026. The alert covers moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms over two days.
Why is heavy rain occurring in Kolkata in October?
According to the Met department, the monsoon has not fully withdrawn from West Bengal and atmospheric moisture levels remain high. This combination of a lingering monsoon system and locally formed clouds is causing scattered but intense rainfall across the region.
When will the rain stop in Kolkata and south Bengal?
Scattered rain is expected on Friday, after which the weather office forecasts dry conditions setting in from Saturday. Rain probability is expected to remain relatively low through Sunday.
What wind speeds are expected during the thunderstorms?
Gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph are forecast to accompany the thunderstorms in several locations across south Bengal. The Met department has advised residents to exercise caution, especially during evening hours when storm risk is highest.
Will North Bengal also be affected by the storms?
Yes, the Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms in North Bengal districts through Friday. The primary zone of concern, however, remains south Bengal and Kolkata, which are under the more severe orange alert.
