Tue Sep 23 01:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the text:
**Summary:**
West Bengal, particularly its southern districts, is experiencing scattered rainfall as the Durga Puja festivities begin. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued scattered thunderstorms and light to moderate rain across South Bengal until Thursday, with potential heavy rainfall in coastal and western districts. The cause is a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, likely to develop into a low pressure area and potentially a deep depression, impacting weather along the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts. North Bengal is expected to have relatively dry weather with only localized light rain. Kolkata will experience a cloudy sky with the possibility of thundershowers.
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**News Article:**
**Rain Dampens Durga Puja Start in South Bengal, Relief for the North**
**Kolkata, September 23, 2024** – Devotees embarking on early Durga Puja pandal visits in South Bengal will need to carry umbrellas, as scattered rains persist across the region. While the festivities have officially begun, the skies remain overcast, with little sunshine breaking through.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued scattered thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall in Kolkata and other South Bengal districts until Thursday. Coastal districts like South 24 Parganas, East Medinipur, and West Medinipur, along with the western district of Bankura, may experience heavier downpours. Gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are also expected during thunderstorms.
The unseasonal weather is attributed to a cyclonic circulation currently situated over the north-east Bay of Bengal, off the Bangladesh and Myanmar coasts. The IMD predicts this system will intensify into a low-pressure area today and potentially develop into a deep depression by Saturday. This developing system is expected to track towards the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts, influencing weather patterns in the region.
“We are monitoring the situation closely,” stated an IMD official. “While South Bengal will experience continued rainfall, North Bengal is expected to have relatively drier weather with only localized light rain. No heavy rainfall is anticipated in the north for the next few days.”
In Kolkata, residents can expect a cloudy sky with the possibility of thundershowers throughout the day. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is 27.1 degrees Celsius. High humidity levels will likely add to the discomfort.
Despite the rain, festive spirits remain high. “We’ll just have to adjust our plans,” said one Kolkata resident. “A little rain won’t dampen our enthusiasm for Durga Puja!”
First Piper 