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Western Disturbance Brings Brief Warmth to South Bengal, North Stays Cold

A western disturbance has caused a temporary rise in minimum temperatures across Kolkata and south Bengal, with Kolkata reaching 14.2°C. The Regional Meteorological Centre forecasts this warmth will be short-lived, with intense cold conditions expected to return from Tuesday for nearly a week. North Bengal remains under a cold grip with dense fog warnings and potential light rain or snowfall in Darjeeling. Dense fog advisories are also in effect for several districts across both north and south Bengal, though south Bengal is expected to stay dry.

Key Points: South Bengal Sees Temporary Temperature Rise, North Remains Cold

  • Temporary warmth in south Bengal
  • Intense cold returning next week
  • Dense fog warnings issued
  • North Bengal chill persists with possible snowfall
2 min read

Western disturbance brings temporary warmth to south Bengal, north remains cold

A western disturbance brings brief warmth to Kolkata & south Bengal, but intense cold is forecast to return. North Bengal faces dense fog and possible snowfall.

"From Tuesday, the state is likely to experience intense cold conditions lasting five to six days. - RMC Official"

Kolkata, Jan 3

The impact of a western disturbance has led to a rise in temperatures across Kolkata and several south Bengal districts, offering brief relief after days of bone-chilling cold when the mercury had dipped to around 11 degrees Celsius.

On Saturday morning, the minimum temperature in Kolkata was recorded at 14.2 degrees Celsius, close to normal for this time of the year. On Friday, the city had logged a minimum of 13.1 degrees Celsius, while December 31 marked the coldest day of the season so far, with the temperature dropping to 11 degrees Celsius.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Alipore, said the minimum temperature across south Bengal is likely to rise further over the next 24 hours due to the prevailing weather system. However, once the western disturbance moves away, a sharp dip in night temperatures is expected from Tuesday onwards.

"The current system has caused a temporary rise in minimum temperatures. From Tuesday, the state is likely to experience intense cold conditions lasting five to six days. North Bengal, meanwhile, will continue to remain under the grip of winter chill. There is also a possibility of rain and snowfall in Darjeeling later today and tomorrow," an RMC official said.

According to the forecast, minimum temperatures in South Bengal may increase by two to three degrees Celsius in the short term. In north Bengal, there is little likelihood of significant temperature change over the next 24 hours, though the mercury could fall by around two degrees over the subsequent three days.

The meteorological department has issued a dense fog warning for all districts of north Bengal, where visibility may drop to between 50 metres and 199 metres in areas including Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur and Malda. Light rain and snowfall are likely in Darjeeling on Saturday and Sunday, while scattered rainfall is also possible in Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong and Alipurduar districts.

Dense fog warnings have also been issued for parts of south Bengal. Morning visibility may fall to around 50 metres in districts such as Nadia, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, Purulia, East Burdwan, West Burdwan and Birbhum. Despite the fog, weather conditions across south Bengal are expected to remain dry for now, with no rainfall forecast.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The weather department's warnings are crucial. Dense fog in North 24 Parganas can be a nightmare for commuters on NH-34. Hope people driving to work early in the morning take extra precautions.
D
David E
Interesting to see how a "western disturbance" originating near the Mediterranean can have such a direct impact on weather here in Bengal. The interconnectedness of global weather systems is fascinating.
A
Ananya R
My family is in Siliguri and they say the chill is unbearable. It's worrying to hear the cold will intensify again from Tuesday. Hope everyone, especially the elderly and homeless, stays warm and safe.
S
Suresh O
While the forecast is helpful, I feel the IMD could be more precise with localised predictions. Saying "south Bengal" is too broad. Conditions in Kolkata and Purulia can be vastly different.
K
Kavya N
The mention of possible snowfall in Darjeeling is exciting! Perfect time for a short winter getaway, though the fog warnings are a bit of a dampener. Travel safely if you're heading to the hills.

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