Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms likely across Bengal this week amid Durga Puja preparations

Festival organisers worry that repeated spells of rain may delay pandal work and decorations in many Kolkata neighbourhoods ahead of Durga Puja.

Written by Anisha Ghosh

September 6, 2025 05:14 PM IST

The weather has also affected shopping. Big markets like Gariahat, New Market, and Hatibagan are seeing fewer visitors than usual. (Express Photo)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain with thunderstorms in many districts in West Bengal this week. Warnings of gusty winds and lightning have been issued for several areas, raising concerns about waterlogging, traffic jams, and delays as Durga Puja approaches. This year, the festival season starts on September 28 and will last till October 2.

In South Bengal, districts including South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, and Purulia have been placed under a ‘yellow’ alert and the IMD has warned of thunderstorms with winds of 30–40 kmph and lightning in these regions. Light to moderate rain will be persistent throughout the week in all the districts.

In North Bengal, the rain is expected to be heavier, officials said. Most districts are likely to experience widespread showers almost every day for the week, with heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar on some days. Thunderstorms with strong winds are also to be expected.

In Kolkata, the sky will remain cloudy with light to moderate rain or thundershowers in some areas. The temperature is expected to stay between 34 and 28 degrees Celsius. Organisers worry that repeated spells of rain may delay pandal work and decorations in many neighbourhoods.

The weather has also affected shopping. Big markets like Gariahat, New Market, and Hatibagan are seeing fewer visitors than usual. Shopkeepers said that families are avoiding long outings because of sudden downpours. Many fear that sales may be lower this year if the rains continue in the days leading up to the festival.

Anisha Ghosh is an intern with The Indian Express.

From the homepage