Kolkata has been experiencing an unusually chilly November this year, with the city recording its third coldest November since 2017. The mercury has consistently stayed below normal levels, creating an early winter atmosphere that has taken residents by surprise.
Temperature Records and Patterns
The minimum temperature remained below the normal mark on 10 days during November, with the coldest period occurring between last Tuesday and Thursday. The temperature plunged to 16.4°C on November 25 and 27, marking the lowest readings of the season so far.
The cooling trend began earlier this month when the minimum temperature dropped below 20°C on November 9. Since then, it has steadily decreased to 17°C and maintained that level for several consecutive days. The city hasn't recorded a minimum temperature of 20°C since the cooling trend began, and temperatures have remained below 18°C since last Tuesday.
Weather Experts Explain the Phenomenon
According to Sourish Bandopadhyay, weather scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), the persistent cold conditions are due to uninterrupted northwesterly winds. "The cold northwesterly winds have been flowing in at a good pace this month," Bandopadhyay explained. "There have been no obstructions in the form of systems that generate clouds and change the direction of the wind."
He further clarified that if such obstructions had occurred, humid sea winds would have dominated and cut off the northwesterly flow, leading to higher temperatures.
Historical Context and Future Predictions
Since 2017, the lowest November temperatures recorded in Kolkata were 14.6°C in 2017 and 15.4°C in 2020. This year's lowest reading of 17.2°C on November 26 places 2024 as the third coldest November in recent years.
HR Biswas, RMC deputy director-general of meteorology, highlighted multiple factors influencing the chill intensity. "Other than the northwesterly, cold wave conditions across north India also pull the mercury down. This is just a precursor to winter, and it is too early to predict if the chill will be more than usual," Biswas stated.
However, Biswas confirmed that further temperature drops are imminent for Kolkata. "While the mercury will hover around 17°C-18°C for the next three days, it will then start dropping gradually and should slide to 15°C in five to six days from now," he predicted.
The meteorologist expects a 2°C-3°C temperature drop between Wednesday and Friday, triggered by strong northwesterly winds. The maximum temperature is also expected to decrease, potentially touching 26°C.
On Saturday, Kolkata recorded a minimum of 17.4°C and maximum of 27.9°C, both below normal levels. The regional temperature pattern showed even cooler conditions in other parts of Bengal, with Purulia recording 14°C, Alipurduar at 12°C, and Darjeeling at 6°C.
The unusual cold spell isn't limited to Kolkata alone. Large areas of north, west, and central India have registered minimum temperatures 2°C-3°C below normal, with Delhi experiencing its quickest drop to single-digit temperatures in 11 years and Pune recording its lowest November minimum in nine years.
