Weather Forecast Poses Challenges for Political Campaigning in Assam

As Assam gears up for its State assembly elections, the weather forecast predicts a rainy fortnight, posing challenges for political parties. The IMD has reported above-normal rainfall, with significant moisture expected from the Bay of Bengal. This could impact campaigning efforts, as high-profile leaders plan rallies in the lead-up to the elections scheduled for April 9. With the nomination process already underway, concerns have been raised by opposition parties regarding the short campaigning window. Read on to discover how the weather may influence the political landscape in Assam.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 21, 2026, 09:09 IST

Impact of Rain on Upcoming Elections

Guwahati, March 21: As the political landscape heats up ahead of the State assembly elections, event organizers for various parties are facing uncertainty due to an impending rainy spell.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating above-average rainfall in the Northeast over the next two weeks, with maximum temperatures expected to remain normal or dip below average.

According to the IMD's report on March 19, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by gusty winds, reaching speeds of 30-50 km/h, is anticipated across Northeast India on March 19 and 21. Thunderstorms and lightning are also possible in the region over the next week.

From March 26 to April 1, the IMD predicts continued widespread light to moderate rainfall in both the Western Himalayan region and Northeast India. Rainfall is expected to persist even after April 1.

The meteorological conditions, combined with significant moisture influx from the Bay of Bengal, suggest that the rainy period will affect nearly the entire State until early April, according to weather experts.

Last week, rainfall in East and Northeast India was reported to be 267% above normal, with an overall excess of 73% since March 1. From March 1 to 19, the State recorded 98.6 mm of rainfall, significantly higher than the normal of 30 mm. Most districts, except for Karbi Anglong, Sivasagar, Sribhumi, and Tinsukia, experienced either 'excess' or 'largely excess' rainfall.

In Kamrup Metro, rainfall reached 56.1 mm against a normal of 15.3 mm since March 1. Notably, Guwahati recorded 33.7 mm of rainfall on March 16, marking it as the tenth highest 24-hour rainfall in March since 1951.

As the nomination process is underway, campaigning for the assembly elections, set for April 9, will conclude on April 7. High-profile political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and senior Congress leaders, are expected to hold rallies leading up to the elections. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has scheduled four to five rallies daily throughout the campaign.

Opposition parties, particularly Congress, have voiced concerns regarding the limited campaign period established by the Election Commission.