After a brief recess at the beginning of the new year, winter has returned intensely in Bengal. From Saturday, there has been a sharp increase in cold weather due to the predominance of northerly winds. The sudden shift has pushed temperatures down across the state, leaving people wrapped in blankets and quilts, with hot tea becoming a constant companion.
Sharp drop in Kolkata’s temperature
The day began with an overcast sky in Kolkata on Monday. The sun was also not spotted despite there being no clouds in the sky. The lowest temperature recorded was 12.5°C. The fall is quite marked since Sunday logged a low temperature of 15.2°C. It is also down by two degrees compared with the average. The presence of strong northerly winds has further made it cold.
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The weather office has announced that the cold weather will continue for the coming few days, and the biting winds will continue to intensify after sunset.
Districts shiver as mercury falls further
The cold wave is not limited to the city. Several districts are experiencing much lower night temperatures. The lowest temperature recorded in Krishnanagar was 9 degrees, and in some places in Bankura and Purulia, the temperatures dipped between 6 and 8 degrees. The cold in North Bengal’s hills is severe.
The temperature in Darjeeling has plummeted to nearly 2°C, while the higher regions of Manebhanjan, Sandakphu, and Dhotre are witnessing below-zero temperatures, which are hovering between -3 °C and -5 °C. Tourism in the North Bengal regions is increasing due to the cold weather, although the authorities have advised tourists to be cautious. Snow is expected in the higher zones of Sandakphu, Ghum, Dhotre, and Chatakpur.
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Fog situation
Expect the fog situation to intensify in the following South Bengal districts. Light to moderate fog will affect Kolkata, North & South 24 Parganas, and Medinipur, while Dense fog will occur in the following: Birbhum & Murshidabad. On Tuesday, Medinipur, Jhargram, and Bardhaman will also experience fog.
