Residents of Kolkata and several districts in South Bengal are facing a week of extreme weather as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a fresh heatwave warning effective until April 25, 2026. According to the latest forecast released on Wednesday, April 22, the region will be gripped by dry westerly and north-westerly winds combined with seasonal solar heating. This will lead to day temperatures rising significantly above the seasonal average, with western districts like Paschim Bardhaman, Bankura, and Purulia bearing the brunt of the scorching heat.
While Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 35.6°C on Wednesday, the weather office predicts a sharp climb to nearly 40°C in the city over the coming days. The situation is much more critical in the interior western parts of the state, where Panagarh has already sizzled at a record 43.8°C—over seven degrees above the normal range. Other areas like Bankura and Asansol have also crossed the 42°C mark. Adding to the discomfort, coastal areas will experience very high humidity levels of up to 90%, creating “sultry and uncomfortable” conditions that make the actual temperature feel even higher.
The timing of this heatwave is particularly significant as it coincides with the first phase of the Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for April 23. While South Bengal voters will have to brave the heat at the polling booths, the weather in North Bengal presents a complete contrast. The IMD has forecast thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds for sub-Himalayan districts like Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, potentially affecting voter turnout in those regions due to rain. With the heat expected to persist through Saturday, health officials have advised citizens to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours.
