India – West Bengal Assembly election (first round)

Heat stress impacts election

In mid-April 2026, diverse regions across India experienced sharply divergent weather patterns, with a mix of torrential rains, hailstorms and heatwaves. In West Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange heat warning in the week leading up to the first round of the Assembly elections on 23 April, forecasting hot and humid weather conditions and temperatures well above 40 degrees Celsius in several areas (Yengkhom 2026). Out of the 16 districts in West Bengal scheduled to vote on 23 April, the IMD forecasted a day of sustained heat stress in 12 of the 16 districts. Maximum temperatures in many areas were expected to remain 3-5°C above normal, while eastern and coastal districts were projected to experience temperatures 2-3°C above normal (Basu 2026). In addition to the high temperatures, the humidity in the region caused additional concern, especially in coastal and industrial regions where high moisture levels combined with rising daytime heat were expected to make the “feels like” temperature even more dangerous than the official reading. The intense heat sparked concerns not only regarding public health risks, but also agricultural threats and surging power demand (Mukherjee 2026). 

Impact on the electoral process

The IMD predicted prolonged heat stress in 12 districts during the 23 April elections and advised the public to avoid outdoor exposure between 11:00 in the morning and 16:00 in the afternoon. In this context, voters were encouraged to cast their votes earlier in the day to avoid peak heat hours. The IMD further encouraged people to stay hydrated, wear light-colored and loose clothing, use umbrellas and hats for protection against direct sunlight while standing in queues, and to seek immediate assistance from medical teams at polling stations in the case of symptoms of heat-related illness (Jha 2026; IMD 2026). Despite the recommendations, the heatwave claimed the lives of four voters on polling day, reportedly due to extreme heat and physical strain while attempting to cast votes (News Arena Network 2026; Yengkhom 2026). The victims include one 66 year-old and one 59 year-old resident in the Keshpur Assembly in West Midnapore who both died after queuing outside of their polling stations, one 50 year-old resident in the Malatipur Assembly constituency who suffered a stroke inside the polling booth, and one senior citizen who suffered a stroke on his way to the polling station (Yengkhom 2026). 

Although climate-sensitive measures such as ensuring drinking water and a waiting area with shade at each polling station were already in place (News on Air 2026), experts have called for better coordination and contingency plans for polling disruptions (Bandopadhyay 2026). Despite the weather conditions on election day, voter turnout surged beyond 90 per cent in several districts, largely driven by women and elderly voters. Overall, West Bengal recorded a turnout above 92 per cent in this first phase, significantly higher than 82.30 per cent in 2021 and 83.02 per cent in 2016 (Siddiqui 2026).

Author: Siri Björgengen