West Bengal is gearing up for a week of diverse and challenging weather conditions, with the hill station of Darjeeling anticipating snowfall and vast plains shrouded in dense fog. The meteorological department has forecast a significant drop in temperatures alongside reduced visibility, potentially disrupting end-of-year travel plans across the state.
Chilly Start and Hill Forecast
The week began on an intensely cold note, with Darjeeling recording a minimum temperature of 3.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning. In the plains, Bankura was the coldest spot at 9.0 degrees Celsius. While dry weather currently prevails, meteorological systems are at play. A cyclonic circulation over north Bangladesh and a trough over the Bay of Bengal are influencing local conditions, setting the stage for a shift.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata predicts that light rain or snowfall is likely at one or two places in the higher reaches of the Darjeeling district in the coming days. Neighbouring districts of Kalimpong and Alipurduar may also experience similar light rainfall around the start of the New Year. Conversely, South Bengal is expected to remain dry throughout the first week of January.
Persistent Dense Fog to Disrupt Travel
A major concern for residents and commuters is the forecast of dense fog, particularly during the early morning hours. Visibility is expected to plummet to between 50 and 199 metres, creating hazardous conditions. The foggy spell is likely to persist until January 3, affecting a wide swathe of the state.
In North Bengal, the districts of Uttar Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar are on alert. In South Bengal, the list includes North and South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, and several others. The weather office has explicitly cautioned that this dense fog may lead to disruptions in air, rail, and road traffic. Commuters are advised to drive with extreme caution in the mornings and stay updated on their travel schedules.
Temperature Trends and Kolkata's Weather
In terms of temperature, the mercury is expected to hold steady in north Bengal over the next seven days. For south Bengal, including Kolkata, minimum temperatures will remain unchanged for the next two days. After that, a gradual rise of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius is expected over the subsequent three days, before conditions stabilise. On Sunday, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 14 degrees Celsius.
The combination of low hill temperatures conducive to snowfall and widespread fog in the plains marks a distinct weather pattern for West Bengal as it rings in the New Year. Authorities are urging the public to take necessary precautions, especially while travelling, to ensure safety during this period of reduced visibility and cold conditions.
