Kolkata Prepares for Final Winter Chill as Temperatures Set to Drop
Residents of Kolkata are experiencing what meteorologists predict will be the city's final significant winter chill, with temperatures expected to dip by approximately two degrees Celsius by Saturday. This development offers Kolkatans one last taste of wintry weather before seasonal changes take hold.
Detailed Temperature Forecast and Meteorological Patterns
According to the latest updates from the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata, the minimum temperature is projected to range between 14°C and 15°C by Saturday, while maximum temperatures will likely remain between 25°C and 26°C through Sunday. Meteorologist HR Biswas, head of the Kolkata Regional Meteorological Centre, confirmed that a rising temperature trend is expected to commence from Monday.
"The mercury is likely to hover around the normal mark for the following five days," explained Biswas. "Therefore, we anticipate the cold sensation, particularly during late night and early morning hours, to persist for at least another week."
Western Disturbances and Their Impact on Kolkata's Climate
Meteorological experts attribute the recent temperature patterns to a series of western disturbances that affected northwestern Indian states. These extra-tropical storms, originating in the Mediterranean region, temporarily halted the flow of dry, cold northwesterly winds into Kolkata.
"Now, the northwesterly winds have resumed their movement into our region," stated Biswas. "This atmospheric shift will cause both maximum and minimum temperature levels to decrease."
While western disturbances don't directly impact Kolkata's weather, they play a crucial role by potentially blocking the path of northwesterly winds that bring colder conditions to the city. With the return of this cold, dry wind system, both maximum and minimum temperatures in Kolkata have begun falling slightly below normal levels, which stood at 27.1°C and 16.6°C respectively on Thursday.
Historical Context and Seasonal Weather Patterns
This winter season has been particularly notable, with both maximum and minimum temperatures reaching record-breaking lows not seen in at least a decade. On January 6th, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 18°C, marking the lowest January maximum in ten years. The same day saw a minimum temperature of 10.2°C, also establishing a decade-low record for January.
Meteorological officials note that seasonally, winter conditions typically conclude in Kolkata by the second week of February. The current temperature dip represents what is likely the final significant cold spell before warmer weather patterns establish themselves.
Weather Outlook and Resident Preparedness
As Kolkata transitions between seasons, residents can expect:
- A noticeable temperature drop of approximately 2°C by Saturday
- Pleasant weather conditions as temperatures hover around normal levels
- A gradual warming trend beginning Monday
- Continued cool sensations during nighttime and early morning hours for approximately one week
The meteorological department continues to monitor atmospheric conditions closely, providing regular updates as Kolkata experiences these final days of winter weather before the seasonal shift toward warmer temperatures.
