A strong cold wave has already enveloped West Bengal in its grip, hovering above the region with dense fog and plummeting temperatures that have resulted in poor air quality. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also predicted that the cold wave is expected to last for the entire week, with dense fog reducing visibility.
Kolkata registers the coldest December morning
Kolkata saw the coldest December morning this season as the minimum temperatures dipped to 13-14°C. However, the day remained quite warm as the temperatures ranged between 22-24°C. But the visibility went low due to thick to moderate fog. According to the IMD, the fog will continue to affect the city until at least Jan 3. A low of 15°C can be expected on the day of the New Year.
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Sub-Himalayan districts bear the brunt of cold wave
The cold wave is more severe in sub-Himalayan West Bengal as the temperature lowered sharply there. Darjeeling's minimum temperature touched 5.4°C, so the possibility of light snowfall is expected at higher areas, as announced by the meteorologists. In the plain areas, Coochbehar's temperature touched 14.3°C, while Bankura's dropped to 9.3°C. The IMD warned of dense fog in various districts of the north, namely Darjeeling, Coochbehar, and North Dinajpur, until December 31.
Air quality worsens in Kolkata amid cold and fog
The air quality in Kolkata was also impacted adversely in the presence of cold and foggy weather. Pollution levels increased drastically, which led to the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching severe levels.
Dense fog has covered large parts of the state, reducing visibility to around 50-200 meters. This was reported by the IMD, which further stated that it is expected that over the coming days, fog will remain during nighttime and early mornings. There could be a further decrease in visibility as temperatures drop.
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Due to the foggy weather, air, rail, and road transport may experience disruptions, especially late at night and early in the morning. Flight and train delay possibilities cannot be discounted, and road users have been advised to drive with caution. Residents have been encouraged to keep abreast of weather warnings, with winter conditions intensifying in West Bengal.
