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Kolkata’s ‘real feel’ heat spikes — what’s really going on with Bengal’s weather?

Kolkata swelters under soaring ‘real feel’ heat as humidity spikes; IMD says no immediate relief, with thunderstorms likely later this week across South Bengal.

By Pritha Chakraborty

May 23, 2026 14:32 IST

Despite intermittent showers, residents across South Bengal continue to reel under intense heat and humidity, with no immediate relief in sight, the weather office said on Saturday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that while temperatures remain close to normal, high moisture levels in the air are making conditions increasingly uncomfortable. The “real feel” temperature is significantly higher, leaving people struggling through sticky and oppressive weather.

On Saturday, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 29.8C, which is 2.9C above normal, while the maximum settled at 35.2C, marginally below normal by 0.2C.

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Will Kolkata receive rain today?

According to the IMD, there is no major shift in weather conditions expected across South Bengal in the next few days. However, a change is likely towards the end of the week, when thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and rainfall may impact Kolkata and several districts.

/ANI

Heat alert in western districts

Authorities have issued heat warnings for districts including Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, West Midnapore and West Burdwan. Even though recorded temperatures are not extreme, high humidity is amplifying discomfort levels across the region.

Meanwhile, scattered thunderstorms with lightning are likely on Saturday in districts such as Purulia, Bankura, West and East Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia.

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Heavy to very heavy rain lashes North Bengal

In contrast, North Bengal is witnessing intense rainfall activity. The weather office has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar.

Heavy rain is also expected in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar and North Dinajpur. The spell is likely to continue till Sunday across five districts, although rainfall intensity may gradually decrease from midweek.

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