Kolkata, 15 October (H.S.) : The monsoon seems reluctant to bid adieu, threatening to dampen festive spirits as the Alipore Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms and rain across Kolkata and several South Bengal districts during the initial days of Durga Puja. However, weather conditions are expected to improve significantly towards the latter half of the festivities, with dry weather likely to prevail. In Kolkata and its adjoining areas, rainfall is anticipated from Panchami through the first day of Saptami, accompanied by generally overcast skies from morning until afternoon. Pandal-hoppers have been advised to carry umbrellas, although heavy downpours have been ruled out for the moment.

On October 15 (Panchami), light to moderate rain accompanied by lightning is expected across South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah, East Medinipur, West Medinipur, and Jhargram, with scattered light showers likely over the remaining districts of South Bengal. Similar weather conditions are predicted for October 16 (Sasthi), when South 24 Parganas and East Medinipur may witness light to moderate rain and thunderstorms, while other southern districts experience scattered light spells. On October 17, the first day of Saptami, light rain will likely remain confined to South 24 Parganas and East Medinipur, alongside isolated light showers in Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, West Medinipur, and Jhargram. The remaining southern districts are expected to stay dry. From October 18 through October 22, covering the period from the second day of Saptami to Ekadashi, no thunderstorms or rain have been forecast, ensuring dry weather across South Bengal.

In North Bengal, significant rainfall is unlikely through Panchami, though isolated light showers may occur in pockets of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Kalimpong on Sasthi. On Saturday, coinciding with the first day of Saptami, light rain is forecast for Alipurduar along with these three hill districts, followed by minor precipitation in Darjeeling and Kalimpong on Sunday. From Monday, marking Maha Ashtami, dry weather will prevail across all northern districts.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh