Kolkata is heading into a dry and gradually warming phase ahead of Dol and Holi, with forecasters indicating that the brief spell of rain earlier this week will give way to rising temperatures from the start of March. The shift is significant for urban services, public health planning and the city’s informal economy, which typically sees a surge in outdoor activity during the spring festival period.
According to officials at the Alipore meteorological centre, no further rainfall is expected across South Bengal in the coming days. While a mild chill has lingered in the mornings following recent showers, daytime temperatures are projected to climb steadily. The Kolkata weather update suggests that maximum temperatures could approach 30°C over the next 24 hours, with a gradual upward trend thereafter.
For a dense metropolitan region already grappling with heat stress and high humidity, even a modest rise in temperature carries implications. Relative humidity levels have been fluctuating between 60 and 95 per cent, contributing to discomfort despite moderate readings on the thermometer. Urban planners note that such conditions can strain energy demand as households and commercial establishments increase cooling use a recurring challenge in cities transitioning toward more climate-resilient infrastructure. Minimum temperatures in several South Bengal districts have dipped slightly below seasonal norms in recent days, offering temporary relief. However, this window is expected to close as March begins. Forecasters indicate that dry conditions will prevail for at least six days, with mostly clear skies across the region. North Bengal is also likely to remain rain-free. Hill districts may experience light morning fog, affecting visibility but not triggering any formal advisories. Stable temperatures are predicted across the northern districts for about a week, reinforcing the broader pattern of dry weather statewide.
In Kolkata, the earlier rain episode briefly lowered both minimum and maximum readings. At present, temperatures are hovering in the high teens to mid-twenties Celsius. The Kolkata weather update points to a return of warmer afternoons and slightly elevated night temperatures by early March. The seasonal transition comes at a time when cities across eastern India are reassessing heat preparedness strategies. Experts in urban resilience argue that even pre-summer heat episodes underline the urgency of expanding tree cover, cool roof initiatives and water-sensitive urban design. With festival gatherings expected to draw large crowds outdoors, civic agencies may also need to coordinate hydration points and medical readiness. As winter recedes, Kolkata’s approach to managing rising heat and humidity will once again test how prepared the city is for longer-term climate variability not just for a festive weekend, but for the months ahead.
