Kolkata, 15 January (H.S.): Much-anticipated winter chill in Bengal seems to have faded away with Makar Sankranti. Despite hopes for colder days in January, the persistent influence of western disturbances has prevented North India's cold winds from reaching Bengal. As a result, the state is experiencing higher-than-usual temperatures for this time of year.

According to the Meteorological Department, a fresh western disturbance will become active from Saturday, disrupting the flow of cold winds once again. This will keep temperatures stable for the next four to five days. While districts like Bankura, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad may see mild to moderate morning fog, Kolkata and other parts of South Bengal will have only light mist. In North Bengal, districts like Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Uttar Dinajpur are likely to witness dense fog, with visibility dropping to 50 meters in some areas.

Meanwhile, northern states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh may receive light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms. Snowfall is expected in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Muzaffarabad, and Himachal Pradesh. Kerala and Mahe could also see isolated showers.

With western disturbances repeatedly blocking the influx of cold air from the north, Bengal is unlikely to experience any severe winter chill this season. Meteorologists predict that temperatures will remain relatively high, making it clear that Makar Sankranti has indeed carried winter away with it.

Hindusthan Samachar / SP Singh