Kolkata, 13 January (H.S.):

Cold conditions have once again intensified across Kolkata and south Bengal, with a sharp fall in night temperatures recorded over the past 24 hours. While the city’s minimum temperature had touched 15 degrees Celsius late Sunday night, it dropped by more than 2.5 degrees on Monday night to settle at 12.4 degrees Celsius. As a result, the chill is expected to be more pronounced on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

The Meteorological Department had earlier indicated that the recent rise in temperature would not be long-lasting. Although the cold appeared to weaken briefly, the impact of chilly northerly winds has once again become evident across the region.

According to the weather department, northerly cold winds were temporarily disrupted due to cloud bands associated with a low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal, leading to a short-lived rise in night temperatures in several parts of the state. Despite this, minimum temperatures across Kolkata and most districts of Bengal continue to remain below normal.

As per the report released by the Alipore Meteorological Office on Tuesday morning, Kalyani recorded the lowest minimum temperature in south Bengal at 7.5 degrees Celsius. Asansol registered 9.2 degrees, while Jhargram recorded 9.8 degrees Celsius.

In north Bengal’s plains, minimum temperatures remained in single digits at Cooch Behar (9.1 degrees), Raiganj (9.5 degrees) and Jalpaiguri (9.7 degrees).

In the hilly regions, Darjeeling recorded a minimum temperature of 3.6 degrees Celsius, while Kalimpong reported nine degrees Celsius.

Notably, for the first time this season, Kalyani has emerged as the coldest location in south Bengal, replacing Shriniketan, which had consistently recorded the lowest temperatures earlier.

The weather department stated that as the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal weakens further, cold conditions are expected to intensify across the state. There is a strong likelihood of biting cold on Makar Sankranti. Forecasts suggest that night temperatures in south Bengal may drop by another two to three degrees Celsius over the next two days. Thereafter, temperatures are expected to remain largely stable for four to five days, continuing below normal levels.

In north Bengal as well, no major fluctuations in night temperatures are expected over the next week.

Weather experts have advised residents to take extra precautions against the cold, noting that the coming days will be crucial from a winter weather perspective.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh