Kolkata, 08 December (H.S.) : Winter has tightened its grip over South Bengal, with temperatures dipping noticeably over the past 24 hours. For the first time this season, a location in South Bengal recorded a night temperature below 10 degrees Celsius, marking the season’s sharpest drop. According to the Alipore Meteorological Office, Shantiniketan registered a minimum temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius late Saturday night, setting a new seasonal record for the region.

Apart from Shantiniketan, Darjeeling was the only place in the state where temperatures fell below 10 degrees Celsius. Situated more than 2,000 metres above sea level, Darjeeling has been witnessing single-digit temperatures for several days, but such a steep fall in South Bengal marks a significant shift in weather patterns this year.

Meteorologists said the weakening of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has allowed a stronger flow of cold and dry north-easterly winds into the Gangetic plains of West Bengal. As a result, winter conditions have become more pronounced, particularly in the western districts.

While Kolkata and its adjoining areas are yet to experience intense winter conditions, the chill is far more noticeable in the western parts of the state. Districts such as Bankura, Birbhum, Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman and Paschim Medinipur—known for their dry and rocky terrain—are experiencing sharper temperature drops.

Along with Shantiniketan, Bankura recorded a minimum of 11.2 degrees, Purulia 11.4, Panagarh 11.9 and Contai 12 degrees Celsius. Even the plains of South Bengal showed a marked decline, with Kalyani recording a minimum temperature of 11.4 degrees.

The weather department has forecast that Kolkata and its surrounding regions will continue to experience daytime temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures near 15 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures in the western districts are expected to fall further in the coming days.

Cold and dry north-westerly winds have also intensified winter conditions across several parts of northern and central India, leading to cold wave-like situations in many regions.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh