Kolkata weather update: IMD issues orange alert for ‘City of Joy’ and warns of rain, thundersquall and strong winds; yellow alert for tomorrow

Kolkata is likely to experience rain showers accompanied by thunder, lightning and strong winds on April 8, 2026, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest weather bulletin. An orange alert was issued for the city on Wednesday, with the meteorological office warning of thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching 50-60 km per hour. A yellow alert has been issued for Kolkata on Thursday and IMD has predicted rainy storm accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30-40kmph). Weather conditions are expected to improve from Friday, IMD said, adding that the ‘City of Joy’ will experience partly cloudy skies with the possibility of thunder and lightning development.

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According to a special Met department bulletin, upper air cyclonic circulation continues in Odisha and adjoining areas. A trough, the Ganges extends from West Bengal to the Gulf of Mannar, passing through Telangana, Rayalaseema and Tamil Nadu. These conditions, coupled with strong moisture input from the Bay of Bengal, are likely to trigger increased storm activity in parts of West Bengal.

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Will it rain in Kolkata today?

Yes, the MET office has predicted rain and thunderstorms for Kolkata today. Kolkata rain activity will intensify, according to the special Met department bulletin highlighting the upper air cyclonic circulation in Odisha and adjoining areas. A trough extending from Ganges West Bengal to the Gulf of Mannar, along with strong moisture input from the Bay of Bengal, will directly impact Kolkata, possibly triggering increased storm activity across the region.

Meteorologists say the prevailing trend will continue at least till Thursday and bring a northwesterly impact or two to Kolkata and nearby areas. An approaching disturbance from the west is also expected to further increase the rain intensity in Kolkata. “We are expecting higher rainfall and strong winds from Wednesday onwards,” HR Biswas from Kolkata Met office told TOI.
The city is expected to see another round of Kolkata rain on Thursday before a brief drought phase sets in. Earlier, 6 mm of rainfall on Monday night brought relief, reducing Tuesday’s minimum temperature to 20.2°C and maximum temperature to 32°C.