• The Daily Hints
• 30 Sep, 2025

§  How severe is Bengal weather alert today

§  Which Bengal districts have cyclone warning

§  Is Durga Puja safe in Bengal weather conditions

§  What emergency measures Bengal government taking

A powerful weather system brewing over the Andaman Sea is set to dramatically transform Bengal’s weather during the peak of Durga Puja celebrations with meteorologists warning of intense rainfall and cyclonic conditions that could severely impact festive activities across West Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued urgent alerts for October 1-5, 2025, predicting the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal that may intensify into a dangerous depression, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple districts.

Immediate Weather Threat

The current sunny skies of Mahashtami (September 30) are deceiving, as a significant weather transformation is imminent. A cyclonic circulation forming over the North Andaman Sea today is expected to rapidly intensify, creating a low-pressure area over the central and northern Bay of Bengal by October 1 (Mahanavami).

Weather officials have specifically warned that Dashami (October 2) could experience the most severe conditions with heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) predicted for key districts including South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, North 24 Parganas and Hooghly. Kolkata, along with surrounding areas like West Midnapore, Jhargram, Howrah, Nadia, Murshidabad and Birbhum, faces the prospect of heavy rainfall (7-11 cm).

District-Wise Impact Analysis

South Bengal is expected to bear the brunt of this weather system. The IMD bulletin indicates that thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph will accompany the rainfall in coastal districts. East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas face particular risk from squally winds and thunderstorm activity.

North Bengal won’t escape unscathed with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and other hill districts facing potential disaster-level weather conditions during Ekadashi and Dwadashi. The mountainous terrain could amplify the impact of heavy rainfall, creating risks of landslides and flash flooding.

Fishermen and Coastal Warnings

Authorities have issued strict advisories for fishermen from October 1-3, prohibiting sea ventures along the Bengal-Odisha coast. The Bay of Bengal is expected to experience rough sea conditions with waves potentially reaching dangerous heights during the depression’s peak intensity.

Official Statements and Quotes

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has personally intervened, directing all concerned departments to coordinate emergency response measures. A senior government official stated, “Taking note of the situation, we have initiated comprehensive emergency measures. All departments concerned have been put on alert. The CM is closely monitoring the situation”.

The IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre emphasized the severity of the approaching system, noting that “light to moderate rain is likely to continue in many places of south Bengal over the next seven days with heavy rainfall at isolated places between September 27 and October 2”.

Emergency Preparedness Measures

The West Bengal government has established a 24/7 control room with senior IAS officers stationed for continuous monitoring. Emergency response teams including the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) have been pre-positioned in vulnerable districts.

Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has cancelled staff leaves and deployed additional suction trucks and portable pumps across the city to manage anticipated waterlogging. The civic body is particularly concerned about low-lying areas that typically experience severe flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Temperature and Humidity Conditions

Current weather conditions show humidity levels between 63-93% with minimum temperatures around 27.6°C and maximum temperatures reaching 33°C. The high humidity is contributing to discomfort levels, making the muggy conditions even more challenging for outdoor activities.

Read More: Festivals Galore in October 2025: Your Ultimate Bank Holiday Guide

Durga Puja Celebrations at Risk

The timing of this weather system poses unprecedented challenges for Durga Puja celebrations. Pandal organizers across Kolkata and surrounding districts are scrambling to secure structures against strong winds and heavy rainfall. The wet weather may lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic disruptions on major roads and risks to Durga Puja pandals exposed to strong winds.

Mahanavami and Dashami, traditionally the most vibrant days of the festival, could see significantly reduced foot traffic as people opt to stay indoors. This could have substantial economic implications for vendors, food stalls and local businesses dependent on festival tourism.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Kolkata's drainage system faces a severe test with recent improvements still insufficient to handle the predicted rainfall intensity. Major thoroughfares including Bhawanipur, New Market, Hazra and Dharmatala are particularly vulnerable to flooding.

Railway and air operations may face disruptions, as previous cyclonic events have demonstrated the fragility of transportation networks during severe weather. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport typically experiences flight delays and cancellations during heavy rainfall periods.

Agricultural and Economic Consequences

The rainfall could provide relief to rain-fed agricultural regions but poses risks to standing crops, particularly paddy that's ready for harvest. Fishermen communities face income losses due to the three-day sea ban, affecting both daily catch and festival season earnings.

Conclusion

The Bengal weather crisis unfolding during Durga Puja 2025 represents a significant challenge that requires coordinated response from government agencies, civic bodies and citizens. While the Bay of Bengal depression threatens to disrupt one of Bengal’s most cherished festivals, the proactive measures taken by authorities demonstrate preparedness to minimize potential damage.

Weather enthusiasts and residents should remain vigilant, follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak rainfall periods. The situation underscores the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns and the need for robust disaster preparedness infrastructure.

As Bengal navigates this challenging weather period, the resilience of its people and the effectiveness of emergency response systems will be put to the ultimate test. The hope remains that Durga Puja’s spiritual significance will prevail despite nature’s temporary disruption.

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