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Kolkata wakes to foggy morning; rain, thunderstorms likely across Bengal this week

A foggy start in Kolkata gives way to sunshine, but changing weather systems are set to bring rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across Bengal later this week.

By Pritha Chakraborty

Mar 24, 2026 13:35 IST

Kolkata and several adjoining areas woke up to light fog, a faint touch of winter and a slightly cloudy sky on Tuesday morning. According to the weather department, conditions across South Bengal, including the city, are expected to remain largely similar through the day. While early hours may stay misty, sunshine is likely to break through as the day progresses, even though the sky may remain partly cloudy.

The Alipore weather office reported a noticeable rise in temperature on Monday compared to Sunday. The maximum temperature was recorded at 30.2 degrees Celsius, while the minimum stood at 23.4 degrees Celsius. For Tuesday, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 31 degrees Celsius and the minimum around 22 degrees Celsius. As the day advances, clearer skies and sunlight are likely, offering brief relief from the morning haze.

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Heavy rain warning in North Bengal

In contrast, North Bengal is likely to witness weather conditions. The department has forecast heavy rainfall in several districts on Tuesday. There is also a possibility of hailstorms in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar. Wind speeds may reach 50 to 60 km per hour in some areas. From Friday onward, the intensity of rain and storms is expected to increase further, with widespread thunderstorm activity across the region.

South Bengal to see weather change by weekend

For now, South Bengal is not expected to face any major disruption. However, conditions are likely to shift by the weekend. On Friday and Saturday, districts such as Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, West Midnapore and East Burdwan may experience thunderstorms, hailstorms and winds reaching 50 to 60 km per hour. Kolkata and nearby areas could see gusty winds between 40 and 50 km per hour along with rain. By Sunday, districts including North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia and Murshidabad may also receive rainfall and storms.

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Why is rain expected now?

Meteorologists attribute this weather pattern to cyclonic circulation, which is drawing moisture from the Bay of Bengal into the mainland. At the same time, western disturbances remain active over northwestern India. Together, these systems have created favourable conditions for rain and thunderstorms across Bengal.

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