As West Bengal prepares to welcome the New Year 2026, the weather is set to offer a dramatic contrast between its northern hills and southern plains. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata has predicted a wintry beginning for the first week of January, featuring potential snowfall in the iconic hill stations and a persistent chill in several southern districts.
Snowfall and Rain for Northern Districts
The most picturesque forecast comes for the Darjeeling hills. The IMD has indicated a strong possibility of light snowfall and rain in Darjeeling district on January 1 and 2, 2026. This weather pattern is expected to extend to other northern areas, with isolated light rain also likely in the districts of Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar during the same two-day period.
Residents and tourists across the state are also advised to prepare for reduced visibility in the mornings. The weather office has forecast shallow to moderate fog across most districts during morning hours for the next five days. A more severe warning has been issued for isolated dense fog, where visibility may drop to between 50 and 200 meters, in parts of north and central Bengal.
Temperature Trends and "Cold Day" Warning
The IMD's forecast outlines distinct temperature patterns for the two regions of the state over the coming week. In north Bengal, minimum (night) temperatures are expected to hold steady for the next three days, followed by a gradual fall of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the subsequent four days.
South Bengal will experience the opposite trend initially, with a gradual rise in minimum temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in the next three days, before stabilizing. Despite this slight warming, the IMD has cautioned that "cold day" conditions are very likely at isolated places in some districts at the start of the year.
The weather agency highlighted that while temperatures in south Bengal may recover slightly, the western districts are poised to record the lowest minimums. Purulia and Asansol are likely to be among the coldest spots, marking a notably chilly commencement to 2026 for those regions.
City-Wise Minimum Temperature Forecast (January 5-7, 2026)
The IMD provided a detailed outlook for minimum temperatures expected in the latter part of the first week of 2026:
North Bengal:
- Darjeeling: 2 degrees Celsius
- Kalimpong: 8-10 degrees Celsius
- Cooch Behar: 8-9 degrees Celsius
- Malda: 10-11 degrees Celsius
South Bengal:
- Purulia: 10-11 degrees Celsius
- Asansol/Santiniketan: 11-12 degrees Celsius
- Kolkata (Alipore): 14-15 degrees Celsius
- Dum Dum: 13-14 degrees Celsius
- Salt Lake: 15-16 degrees Celsius
- Digha/Diamond Harbour: 12-13 degrees Celsius
This comprehensive forecast from the India Meteorological Department enables citizens and authorities across West Bengal to plan for the first week of the New Year. Travelers heading to the northern hills can anticipate scenic snowy vistas, while those in the southern and western plains should brace for continued cold conditions and foggy mornings.
