Kolkata, 19 January (H.S.) :

The weather in Kolkata is expected to remain largely clear over the next 24 hours, though light fog or mist may prevail during the early morning hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.

According to the local forecast, the maximum temperature in the city is likely to hover around 25 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may remain close to 14 degrees Celsius.

No rainfall was recorded in Kolkata between 8:30 am on Sunday and 6:30 am on Monday. During this period, the maximum temperature stood at 25.2 degrees Celsius, about 0.7 degrees below normal, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 13.4 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees below normal. Relative humidity levels ranged between 48 per cent and 93 per cent.

The IMD has indicated that night temperatures are likely to rise gradually over the coming days. Forecasts suggest that by Wednesday, the minimum temperature could increase by around three to four degrees Celsius. From January 23, coinciding with Saraswati Puja, residents may begin to feel a slight warmth during the daytime. The impact of cold conditions during night and early morning hours is expected to weaken significantly after January 26.

Despite the overall improvement in temperatures, dense fog warnings have been issued for several districts in south Bengal. On Monday, dense fog is likely in Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia and West Burdwan districts. In addition, sporadic dense fog may occur during the morning hours in Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, East and West Burdwan, Hooghly and North 24 Parganas districts.

In north Bengal, dense fog alerts remain in force until Wednesday for Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, North and South Dinajpur and Malda districts. The IMD has advised people to remain cautious due to reduced visibility.

Meteorologists attribute the fluctuating temperatures and persistent fog during the month of Magh to the influence of a western disturbance affecting the region.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh