Durga Puja 2026: Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly on rain watch as low-pressure system raises concerns

Kolkata: With Durga Puja approaching, the possibility of fresh rainfall has raised concerns across West Bengal as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal threatens to influence weather conditions.

As the southwest monsoon prepares to withdraw from the state, several districts could see showers from Wednesday, October 14, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) 's latest forecast.

However, there is some relief for puja organisers and pandal-hoppers. The weather department has not forecast significant heavy rainfall across North Bengal and South Bengal on Tuesday, October 13.

While weather conditions are expected to change over the next 24 hours, the available forecast suggests that the showers may remain scattered rather than widespread.

Which districts in Bengal may receive rain?

Several districts in South Bengal are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall from Wednesday, according to the Alipore Meteorological Department.

Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Howrah and Hooghly are among the areas where showers are possible.

The rainfall could inconvenience people stepping out for last-minute festive shopping and those visiting Durga Puja pandals.

However, the forecast currently shows no widespread, continuous rainfall severe enough to significantly disrupt the celebrations. The situation will depend on how the weather system develops over the coming days.

North Bengal hills may also witness showers

Rain is also likely in parts of North Bengal. Darjeeling and Kalimpong could experience scattered showers for a day or two from Wednesday. Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar may also receive light rainfall.

Residents and visitors planning trips to the hills may therefore need to prepare for intermittent showers, although the available forecast does not indicate widespread heavy rainfall in these districts.

What is the weather forecast for Kolkata?

Kolkata witnessed partly cloudy skies on Tuesday morning, with similar conditions expected to continue through the day. The IMD has not forecast heavy or continuous rainfall in the city on Tuesday.

However, high humidity could continue to cause discomfort for residents. With festive preparations underway, weather conditions over the next few days will be crucial for organisers, vendors and thousands of people expected to visit the city's popular pandals.

For now, the forecast suggests that scattered showers could interrupt some outdoor plans, but a prolonged spell of heavy rain across Bengal is not indicated in the information available.

Residents are advised to follow the latest IMD updates as Durga Puja festivities approach.