Kolkata, 23 December (H.S.) :

Winter continues to hold its grip over West Bengal, though Kolkata has witnessed a slight rise in temperature over the past two days. After Monday, Tuesday also recorded temperatures marginally above normal in the city.

According to the Meteorological Department, Kolkata’s minimum temperature on Monday was recorded at 15.2 degrees Celsius, which was 0.7 degrees above the normal level. Similar conditions prevailed on Tuesday as well.

Weather officials explained that dense fog over the past few days had earlier led to a drop in temperatures. However, with the fog gradually thinning, temperatures have inched up slightly above normal. This brief relief from the cold is unlikely to last long. The department has forecast that temperatures may start falling again from Thursday, coinciding with Christmas, leading to a sharper winter chill.

The Meteorological Department clarified that no weather warning has been issued for West Bengal at present. Dry weather is expected to prevail, which is typical for this time of the year. There is no forecast of rainfall in any district of the state over the next one week, and weather conditions are expected to remain clear.

Regarding north Bengal, the department said there is no major change expected in weather conditions over the next week. Residents are likely to enjoy the winter chill during the final days of the year. Dense fog may persist throughout the week in several areas. In districts including Malda, a noticeable drop in temperature has been recorded over the past 24 hours, and cold conditions are expected to continue in the coming days.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh