The second phase of voting is underway across West Bengal, covering 142 assembly seats spread over seven districts in South Bengal. Polling is being conducted under strict security, with central forces and state police deployed at key locations. The Election Commission has also kept its helpline services active to address voter concerns and ensure smooth conduct.
However, weather conditions are emerging as a concern on polling day, with forecasts pointing to possible disruptions.
Storm clouds gather over South Bengal
According to the latest update from the Alipore Weather Department, weather conditions have shifted noticeably. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in Kolkata stood at 33.9 degrees Celsius, 1.7 degrees below normal, while the minimum rose to 28.5 degrees Celsius, which is 2.8 degrees above normal.
Cloud cover has already brought some relief from heat, but instability in the atmosphere may trigger Kalbaishakhi conditions today. Thunderstorms, gusty winds and even hailstorms are likely in parts of the region. Rainfall could bring temperatures down by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.
Districts including Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia and East Bardhaman may experience scattered light to moderate rain through the day. Similar weather is expected to persist through the week, with rainfall also continuing in West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Birbhum and Murshidabad. Wind speeds may reach 50 to 60 km per hour in some areas.
Rain continues across North Bengal
North Bengal is also witnessing persistent rainfall. Districts such as Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Kalimpong are expected to receive rain on Wednesday. Showers are also likely in North and South Dinajpur and Malda.
Also Read | Rain cools Bengal ahead of Phase 2 polling; thunderstorms, strong winds likely in multiple districts
This wet spell is expected to continue till Saturday, with a slight reduction in rainfall from Sunday. Ongoing showers may lead to a drop of 3 to 4 degrees Celsius in temperatures across several districts.
Cloudy skies and high humidity in Kolkata
Kolkata is set for a cloudy day with intermittent rain and possible thunderstorms. The forecast indicates humidity levels ranging between 70 and 85 percent. The day’s temperature is expected to hover around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may settle near 27 degrees Celsius.
With voting in full swing, the evolving weather could play a key role in influencing turnout across several constituencies.
