Is Kolkata Ready for More Thundershowers and Rain During Durga Puja?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kolkata faces potential disruptions due to heavy rain.
- Mahalaya marks the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities.
- A low-pressure system could bring additional rainfall next week.
- Thundershowers are expected in both South Bengal and North Bengal.
- Temperatures are currently above normal in Kolkata.
Kolkata, September 20 (NationPress) The city of Kolkata experienced a tumultuous start to Saturday with thundershowers and significant rainfall, causing disruptions for daily commuters and raising alarms for Durga Puja organizers. The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for additional thunderstorms later today, with intensified rainfall projected to commence on Sunday, coinciding with Mahalaya.
The grand celebrations of Durga Puja officially kick off with Shasthi on September 28, but the festivities begin on Mahalaya (September 21), a day that signifies the transition from Pitru Paksha to Devi Paksha, marking a sacred fortnight leading up to the festival.
Forecasts from the weather department indicate the formation of a new low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal next week, increasing the likelihood of rainfall during the Puja celebrations.
According to a meteorologist, “A low-pressure system is expected to develop in the Bay of Bengal, which could significantly influence the weather during Durga Puja. Thundershowers are predicted across various districts in South Bengal on Saturday and Sunday, with heavy rain also anticipated in North Bengal.”
A low-pressure trough is currently active stretching from Uttar Pradesh to Bangladesh, generating rainfall in North Bengal and drawing moisture from the Bay of Bengal, establishing favorable conditions for showers.
On Saturday, thundershowers are expected in districts such as North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia. The forecast for Sunday includes Kolkata along with these districts. A yellow alert has been issued for potential rain across all of South Bengal, including the city, on Monday and Tuesday.
In North Bengal, heavy rainfall is anticipated across all eight districts on Monday, especially in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar.
Meanwhile, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 28.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday, which is 2.1 degrees C above normal, while Friday’s maximum temperature was 32.4 degrees C, falling 0.4 degrees C below normal.