Kolkata, 18 December (H.S.) : The advance of winter in West Bengal has slowed due to the influence of western winds, forcing people hoping for a sharp cold spell before Christmas to wait longer. In Kolkata, minimum temperatures continue to hover above normal, and meteorologists have ruled out any significant drop until Dec 21. However, weather experts have indicated that a slight dip in temperatures may still occur ahead of Christmas.

On Wednesday, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 15.8 degrees Celsius, which was 0.7 degrees above normal. Early Thursday morning, the mercury rose further to 16.7 degrees Celsius, standing 1.6 degrees above the seasonal average. This marked a continued rise in night temperatures compared to the previous day. During this period, humidity levels in the city ranged from a maximum of 92 percent to a minimum of 46 percent.

According to meteorologists, two western disturbances are currently active over north-west India, while a cyclonic circulation persists over Assam. These systems have temporarily obstructed the flow of cold air into the region, slowing the winter’s progress. The situation is expected to remain unchanged until Dec 21, reducing the chances of a sharp fall in temperatures over the next three days. Morning fog is likely in several areas, though visibility is expected to improve as the day progresses.

Forecasts suggest that on Friday, minimum temperatures in the hills and north Bengal are likely to remain low, with Darjeeling around 5 degrees Celsius, Kalimpong 9 degrees, Siliguri 14 degrees and Jalpaiguri 11 degrees Celsius. In the plains, Howrah may record a minimum of 15 degrees, Dum Dum 16 degrees, Salt Lake 17 degrees, Murshidabad and Baharampur around 13 degrees, and Santiniketan about 12 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department stated that while a strong cold wave is unlikely in the immediate future, the possibility of a mild temperature drop before Christmas still remains.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh