West Bengal weather: Dry spell, morning chill signal winter's onset; no rain alert
Synopsis
No storms, no heavy rain — just a quiet, creeping chill. West Bengal's Met Office says the southwest monsoon's retreat and a dry Bay of Bengal are clearing the way for an early-feeling winter, with north Bengal and the western districts set to feel it first as night temperatures begin their weekend slide.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal is forecast to experience dry weather for the next several days, with no heavy rain alert issued as of 22 October 2026 .
No cyclone or depression is currently forecast over the Bay of Bengal , the IMD confirmed.
A Met department official said night temperatures will 'gradually reduce towards the weekend,' signalling winter's onset especially in north Bengal .
Temperatures in western districts are expected to be 3–4 degrees Celsius lower than in Kolkata and neighbouring areas.
Kolkata recorded a maximum of 31.09°C and minimum of 23.03°C on Wednesday, both marginally below normal.
Thursday forecast for Kolkata: clear sky, maximum around 32°C , minimum around 23°C .
West Bengal is set to experience dry weather over the next several days, with a noticeable chill in the morning air marking the gradual onset of winter, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday, 22 October 2026. With no cyclone or depression currently forecast over the Bay of Bengal, the state is unlikely to see moderate or heavy rainfall in the coming days.
Current Weather Conditions Across the State
Dry conditions and a light chill are already prevailing across West Bengal, reflecting the familiar autumn transition. The southwest monsoon has begun withdrawing from parts of southern India, while seasonal patterns are shifting progressively across the country. Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon continues to influence Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
In south Bengal, the Met Office has forecast clear skies with pleasant mornings and evenings. The possibility of discomfort is expected to decrease gradually. Kolkata and its adjoining districts may, however, continue to experience some humidity-driven discomfort during morning hours due to residual moisture in the air.
Western Districts and North Bengal Outlook
Weather conditions are expected to be more comfortable in the western districts of the state, particularly during early morning and evening hours. Temperatures in these areas are likely to remain three to four degrees Celsius lower than those recorded in Kolkata and neighbouring zones — a pattern consistent with this time of year.
North Bengal is also expected to witness dry conditions, with pleasant mornings and evenings at least through Friday. The Met Office has issued mainly dry forecasts for the northern districts over this period.
What the Met Office Said
A Met department official said, 'This weather will signal the arrival of winter in the state, especially in north Bengal districts. The night temperature will gradually reduce towards the weekend as well as the day's minimum temperature.'
The forecast suggests that residents in northern and western parts of the state will feel the seasonal shift most acutely, with nighttime temperatures trending downward as the weekend approaches.
Kolkata Temperature Readings
On Wednesday, 21 October, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 31.09 degrees Celsius, marginally below normal by 0.05 degrees. The minimum temperature stood at 23.03 degrees Celsius, also 0.09 degrees below normal. Relative humidity ranged between 58% and 96% during the day.
For Thursday, the Met Office has forecast a clear sky over Kolkata, with the maximum temperature expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius and the minimum around 23 degrees Celsius. As temperatures ease further through the weekend, residents across the state can expect a more pronounced seasonal shift in the days ahead.
Point of View
But West Bengal's October transition carries real public-interest weight — particularly for farmers in the western districts and the hospitality and travel sectors gearing up for the post-Puja tourist season. The Met Office's framing of falling night temperatures as 'winter arriving' is worth scrutinising: at 23°C minimums, Kolkata is still well above the threshold most residents associate with cold. The more consequential signal here is the Bay of Bengal remaining depression-free, which removes the cyclone risk that has historically disrupted the state in November. That development, underplayed in the forecast, arguably matters more than the morning chill.
NationPress
22 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather forecast for West Bengal from 22 October 2026?
West Bengal is expected to experience dry weather over the next several days, with clear skies and pleasant mornings and evenings across the state. The IMD has issued no heavy rainfall or cyclone warning for the region.
Is there a cyclone or depression forecast over the Bay of Bengal?
No. As of 22 October 2026, the IMD has confirmed there is no cyclone or depression currently forecast over the Bay of Bengal, significantly reducing the risk of heavy or moderate rainfall in West Bengal in the near term.
When will winter arrive in West Bengal in 2026?
According to a Met department official, the gradual drop in night temperatures — expected to accelerate towards the weekend of 25–26 October — signals winter's onset, particularly in north Bengal districts. South Bengal and Kolkata are likely to feel the chill later.
How much cooler are western districts compared to Kolkata?
Temperatures in West Bengal's western districts are forecast to be three to four degrees Celsius lower than in Kolkata and its neighbouring areas, making them among the first parts of the state to experience winter-like conditions.
What were Kolkata's temperature readings on 21 October 2026?
Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 31.09 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 23.03 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, 21 October — both marginally below seasonal normal. Relative humidity ranged between 58% and 96%.
