Bengal as Winter: Cold Wave Deepens Across Strengthens Its Hold

Bengal in Winter: The winter chill has intensified across West Bengal as cold northerly winds continue to sweep the region, pushing temperatures lower than seasonal averages. Kolkata has officially recorded its coldest day of the season, reflecting a broader weather pattern that has firmly established winter conditions across both south and north Bengal during the final days of December.

Sharp Decline in Minimum Temperatures

The minimum temperature in Kolkata dropped to 12.8 degrees Celsius, marking the lowest reading of the season so far. This fall in temperature is the result of uninterrupted cold air movement from northern regions, a typical winter phenomenon that becomes more pronounced toward the end of December. Over the past few days, residents have experienced increasingly cold mornings and nights, signaling a stable winter pattern rather than a brief cold spell.

Recent Temperature Trend in the City

The downward trend in Kolkata’s temperatures has been gradual but consistent. Earlier in the week, the city recorded a minimum of 13.7 degrees Celsius, which was then surpassed by a colder 12.9 degrees Celsius the following day. The latest reading of 12.8 degrees Celsius is nearly one degree below the normal average for this time of year. Daytime conditions have also remained cooler, with the maximum temperature hovering around 21 degrees Celsius, noticeably lower than usual and contributing to an overall chilly feel.

Weather Outlook from Meteorological Officials

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre located in Alipore, there is little chance of immediate relief from the cold. Forecasts suggest that temperatures are likely to remain at similar levels over the next few days, with a slight possibility of further decline. The persistence of clear skies during the day allows heat to escape rapidly at night, reinforcing the cold conditions across the state.

Sky Conditions and Fog Advisory

While skies over Kolkata and surrounding areas are expected to remain mostly clear and cloudless, morning fog is likely to be a regular feature. A fog advisory has been issued for most districts of south Bengal, warning of reduced visibility during early hours. In several locations, visibility may drop significantly, affecting road and rail transport and increasing the need for cautious travel during mornings.

Dense Fog Concerns in North Bengal

Fog conditions are expected to be more severe in north Bengal. Meteorological authorities have issued dense fog warnings for all northern districts, where visibility could fall drastically, in some cases to as low as 50 metres. This dense fog scenario is likely to persist through the weekend, making it a challenging period for commuters and travelers in the region. Despite the fog, temperatures in north Bengal are not expected to fluctuate significantly over the next week.

Sriniketan Emerges as the Coldest Spot in South Bengal

Interestingly, Sriniketan has recorded the lowest minimum temperatures in south Bengal over recent days. Located in Birbhum district, the town registered a minimum temperature of 9.7 degrees Celsius, making it colder than several locations in north Bengal. This unusual pattern highlights how local geography and wind flow can influence winter temperatures in unexpected ways.

Temperature Readings Across South Bengal

Several other towns and cities in south Bengal have also experienced sharp drops in temperature. Bankura recorded 9.9 degrees Celsius, while Purulia and Kalyani each logged 10.2 degrees Celsius. Burdwan saw temperatures around 10 degrees, and Asansol reported 10.6 degrees. Other areas such as Uluberia, Canning, Suri and Jhargram hovered around 11 degrees Celsius, reinforcing the widespread nature of the cold wave.

Coastal and Riverine Areas Feel the Chill

Even traditionally milder regions have not been spared. Digha recorded a minimum temperature of 11.6 degrees Celsius, while Barrackpore and Diamond Harbour reported temperatures just above 12 degrees. These readings indicate that the cold air mass has spread uniformly across inland, coastal, and river-adjacent regions.

Conditions in the Hill and Northern Regions

In the hills, winter conditions are even more pronounced. Darjeeling recorded a minimum temperature of 5.8 degrees Celsius, while Kalimpong stood at 9.5 degrees. Raiganj experienced a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius. These figures underline the stark contrast between the plains and the hills, a hallmark of winter in the eastern Himalayas.

Winter Likely to Stay for Now

Overall, the current weather pattern suggests that winter has fully settled over West Bengal. With stable atmospheric conditions, clear skies, and persistent northerly winds, the cold is expected to remain a defining feature in the days ahead. Residents across the state are advised to stay prepared for chilly mornings, reduced visibility due to fog, and continued below-normal temperatures.