Kolkata, Oct. 15 -- The monsoon may be preparing to withdraw, but rain continues to play spoilsport in Bengal during Durga Puja. After scattered showers in Kolkata on Thursday, 'panchami', rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely to continue through 'shashthi' and 'saptami'. However, the weather is expected to improve from 'ashtami', with drier conditions likely to bring relief to revellers.
According to the weather department, Kolkata and adjoining districts are likely to experience partly cloudy skies, with showers possible towards the afternoon. No heavy rainfall is expected during the initial days of the festivities.
On Friday, 'shashthi', Kolkata may witness a few spells of rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Light to moderate showers and gusty winds are also possible. Howrah, North and South 24-Parganas, and East and West Midnapore may also receive rainfall.
On 'saptami', Saturday, the sky is likely to remain partly cloudy, with cloud cover increasing towards the afternoon. Some areas may receive light rain, although the possibility of heavy rainfall remains low.
Meanwhile, North Bengal is likely to remain largely dry. While skies are expected to remain clear on Thursday, isolated light showers may occur on Friday and Saturday in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar.
The weather outlook is likely to improve from 'ashtami', with mostly clear skies and dry conditions expected across several parts of the state. The western districts of South Bengal are also likely to experience a shift towards drier, autumn-like weather.
With the possibility of rain declining from 'ashtami', the later days of Durga Puja may offer more favourable conditions for pandal-hopping and outdoor celebrations.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.