Kolkata Puja weather is expected to remain unsettled during the first two days of the festival, with light to moderate rain likely in parts of southern Bengal before conditions turn largely dry from Sunday, according to the Alipore weather office as reported by Bartaman Patrika.
The forecast is significant for Kolkata’s pandal-hopping crowds, outdoor events and local transport operations during the festival. On Chaturthi, light to moderate rain was expected in Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Howrah. The report said scattered light rain had already occurred in Kolkata and the two 24 Parganas and Midnapore districts.
Rain is expected to increase on Panchami, with scattered light to moderate showers likely in Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Howrah and Jhargram. Other districts of south Bengal could also receive scattered light rain, the weather office said.
The forecast is linked to a low-level trough extending towards the north Bay of Bengal and the movement of substantial moisture into south Bengal. These conditions are expected to support rainfall over the coastal districts and adjoining areas during the next three to four days.
Rainfall is forecast to reduce considerably on Shashthi, which falls on Friday. Scattered light to moderate rain may continue in South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore, while most other parts of south Bengal are expected to see less rainfall. On Saptami, Saturday, isolated light rain may occur in Kolkata, Howrah, both 24 Parganas, both Midnapore districts and Jhargram.
The weather office has forecast dry conditions across south Bengal from Sunday, described in the report as the second Saptami. This could bring more stable conditions for outdoor movement and festival activity across Kolkata and neighbouring districts, although the forecast remains subject to local variations.
North Bengal is expected to remain mainly dry, with scattered light to moderate rain possible in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar until October 18. The report also said the southwest monsoon had already withdrawn from most districts of West Bengal.
The monsoon remains over parts of five districts—East Midnapore, West Midnapore, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas and Howrah. The Alipore weather office said withdrawal from these areas was expected within the next 48 hours.
