Kolkata Weather Threatens KKR vs GT IPL 2026 Clash After ISL Disruption
Heavy rain in Kolkata raises concerns ahead of KKR vs GT IPL clash.
Thunderstorms and intermittent rain lashed Kolkata on Friday evening, raising concerns over weather conditions ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans scheduled at Eden Gardens on Saturday. The downpour on the eve of the match had already disrupted live sporting action in the city, forcing a prolonged interruption during the Indian Super League (ISL) fixture between Mumbai City FC and Mohammedan SC at the Kishore Bharati Stadium.
Play was halted for nearly 40 minutes in the second half before conditions improved enough for the match to resume, highlighting the instability of the pre-monsoon weather pattern in the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that Kolkata is likely to experience partly cloudy skies on match day, with a continued possibility of thunder and lightning activity later in the day.
The advisory has kept teams and organisers alert, given the city’s history of sudden weather shifts during this time of year. Despite the brief disruption on Friday, forecasts suggest improving conditions ahead of the IPL fixture. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain high, with maximum levels projected between 36°C and 37°C, while nighttime temperatures are likely to settle around 27°C.
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By the scheduled start of play at 7:30 PM IST, conditions are expected to ease slightly, with temperatures dipping into the low 30s. Meteorological models currently indicate a reduced but not entirely eliminated chance of rain during match hours. While a full washout is not the dominant forecast scenario, intermittent showers or brief weather interruptions cannot be completely ruled out depending on local cloud development patterns.
If the match proceeds without major disruption, dew is expected to become a key factor in the second innings. Higher moisture levels later in the evening could make gripping the ball difficult for bowlers and potentially tilt conditions in favour of the chasing side, a factor both Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans are likely to consider during the toss.
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