The Kolkata Durga Puja rain forecast points to light to moderate showers and thunderstorms across the city and several southern West Bengal districts from Panchami to the first day of Saptami, potentially disrupting early festive outings and pandal visits.
The Alipore weather office has forecast generally cloudy conditions from morning to afternoon in Kolkata and adjoining areas during the initial days of Durga Puja. Rain may occur at intervals, and thunderstorms are also possible. However, the forecast does not indicate the likelihood of heavy rain anywhere in the region at present.
On 15 October, Panchami, thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rain are possible in South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah, East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram. Other districts of southern West Bengal may receive scattered light rain.
The forecast for 16 October, Shashthi, indicates light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. The remaining districts in the southern part of the state may experience scattered light showers. The weather office’s forecast means that residents travelling between pandals may face wet roads and temporary interruptions during outdoor movement, although no heavy spell has been indicated.
On 17 October, the first day of Saptami, light rain is possible in South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, West Midnapore and Jhargram may also receive scattered showers. The rest of southern West Bengal is expected to remain dry on that day.
The forecast is more favourable for the latter part of the festival. From 18 to 22 October, covering the second day of Saptami through Ekadashi, the weather in southern West Bengal is expected to remain generally dry, with no likelihood of thunderstorms or rain mentioned in the report.
The forecast also indicates limited rain activity in north Bengal during the same period. There is little likelihood of significant rain until Panchami. On Shashthi, some areas of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong may receive light rain. On the first day of Saptami, those three districts and Alipurduar may see showers. Darjeeling and Kalimpong may receive a small amount of rain on Sunday, while weather across north Bengal is expected to become dry from Monday, corresponding with Ashtami.
With rain and lightning possible during the first three days, the weather office’s forecast places particular importance on conditions along roads, open spaces and crowded festival routes. The reported improvement from the second day of Saptami is expected to bring a predominantly dry period across southern West Bengal through Ekadashi.
