Kolkata, 22 October (H.S.) :

Following the conclusion of Durga Puja, West Bengal is currently experiencing pleasant autumnal weather, with early morning chills hinting at the onset of winter across several districts. However, this seasonal relief is likely to be temporary. The Alipore Meteorological Department has forecast a return of rainfall starting next Tuesday. Meteorologists have also not ruled out the formation of a potential cyclonic system over the Bay of Bengal toward the end of October, which could significantly disrupt the prevailing comfortable conditions.

In Kolkata, Thursday began with partly cloudy skies alongside gentle sunshine. The regional weather office noted that there is no immediate probability of rainfall in the city, ensuring generally comfortable weather conditions throughout the day. With a dip in night and early morning mercury levels, residents in the metropolis are waking up to a mild, pleasant chill. On Thursday, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 24.2 degrees Celsius, which sits right at normal seasonal levels, while the maximum temperature touched 31.9 degrees Celsius, half a degree below the seasonal average.

Across South Bengal, dry winds have begun lowering night-time temperatures across several districts, offering residents a crisp respite. Purulia recorded a low of 20 degrees Celsius, Sriniketan hovered around 20.2 degrees Celsius, and North Bengal's Alipurduar witnessed a dip to 18 degrees Celsius. Despite the present comfort, meteorologists warn that this dry and cool pattern will not sustain through next week. The influx of moisture-laden winds from the Bay is expected to push temperatures upward and create favorable atmospheric conditions for widespread thundershowers across South Bengal districts beginning early next week.

North Bengal is likewise experiencing largely dry conditions for now. Major regional centers including Jalpaiguri and Siliguri are expected to remain dry through Thursday, alongside the hill regions of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. However, light rainfall activity is anticipated in the upper hill districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong by Dwadashi. Weather officials continue to monitor oceanic parameters closely as late-October dynamics over the Bay of Bengal evolve.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh