The festive season is set to be accompanied by spells of rain as two low-pressure systems are expected to form over the Bay of Bengal during the Debipaksha period.
According to initial forecasts, the first low-pressure system will develop on September 22 over the north Bay of Bengal near the Odisha coast. A second system is likely around September 26 in the same region. Both systems are expected to move inland via Odisha, primarily towards central India.
Southern Bengal
For southern districts of West Bengal, September 22–23 may bring scattered heavy showers due to the first system. And there may be scattered very heavy showers once again around september 27-28 due to the second system. Depending on the trajectory of the second system, rainfall intensity may vary:
- If the system moves westwards into Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, southern Bengal will experience intermittent light to moderate rain with little chance of heavy downpours.
- If the system shifts northwestward through Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh towards Delhi and Uttarakhand, then post-September 26 could bring heavy rainfall across southern Bengal, with Purulia and Bankura facing risks of very heavy rain.
Encouragingly, meteorologists suggest that the heaviest spells may coincide with the early Puja days (Sasthi–Saptami), while conditions are expected to improve from Ashtami onwards.
Northern Bengal and Sikkim
Northern Bengal and Sikkim are unlikely to see major disruption. The region will continue to witness typical monsoon conditions — alternating sunshine and showers — without indications of extreme weather. Travel plans here are unlikely to face major obstacles.
Rest of India
- North India: The monsoon is expected to retreat from most northern states by September 25.
- Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir: Largely dry after September 25.
- Uttarakhand: Some spells of heavy rain may persist for a few more days but no major disaster is foreseen.
The Takeaway
While the Puja season in West Bengal is set to see its share of showers — a common occurrence at this time of year — no large-scale disaster is anticipated. Southern Bengal should brace for some disruption in the opening days of Durga Puja, while Ashtami onwards promises better weather. Northern Bengal, Sikkim, and most parts of North India are expected to enjoy largely travel-friendly weather