Early Winter Arrives in Bengal as Temperatures Plunge
West Bengal is experiencing an unexpected early winter spell, with temperatures dropping significantly below normal levels across the state. The capital city Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 17 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, marking a noticeable departure from seasonal averages.
Temperature Details Across Bengal
The Alipore Meteorological Department confirmed that Kolkata's mercury reading was 3.1 degrees below normal for this time of year. The maximum temperature on Tuesday stood at 28.6 degrees Celsius, which was approximately 2.4 degrees below the expected average. According to weather officials, the minimum temperature is likely to remain around 17 degrees Celsius for the next two days before showing any signs of improvement.
The western districts experienced even more pronounced cold conditions. Birbhum recorded 14 degrees Celsius, while the hill station of Darjeeling saw the mercury fall to a chilly 8 degrees Celsius. Temperature readings remained markedly below normal across most parts of South Bengal and several locations in North Bengal.
Weather Patterns and Forecast
Kolkata's temperature had already dipped below the 20-degree mark on Sunday and continued its downward trend throughout the week. The city recorded 18 degrees Celsius on Tuesday before falling further to 17 degrees on Wednesday. The weather office attributes this cold spell to dry conditions prevailing across the state, dominated by northerly winds.
Meteorologists have ruled out any immediate possibility of rainfall anywhere in Bengal. While some areas experienced morning fog affecting visibility, the sky remained largely clear throughout the day. Officials indicated that there is no significant likelihood of temperatures dropping further in South Bengal over the next four to five days, suggesting that fully settled winter conditions are still some time away.
The current temperature dip coincides with an upper air cyclonic circulation over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, extending up to above mean sea level. However, this weather system is not expected to cause any immediate rainfall in the region.
