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Kolkata to touch 13°C, Darjeeling 5°C this Christmas week: Know the coldest spots in Bengal

A western disturbance has now slowed the advance of winter, but the IMD indicates a fresh dip in temperature from Christmas week.

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Even as temperatures across Bengal fluctuated over the past day, dense fog affected visibility in several districts. In South Bengal, Bardhaman recorded the lowest minimum at 10.8 degrees Celsius, while in the North Bengal plains, Alipurduar registered 9 degrees Celsius. The hill regions saw the sharpest drop, with Darjeeling dipping to 4.8 degrees Celsius. Kolkata (Alipore) logged a minimum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius — 0.7 degrees Celsius above normal.

“Visibility was impacted by fog across several districts: moderate fog (200m–500m) was reported in Purba Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Paschim Bardhaman, Malda and Jalpaiguri. Shallow fog (500m–1,000m) was observed in Coochbehar, Kolkata, Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas, Birbhum and Bankura,” the weather office stated.

Despite expectations of a harsher winter due to La Niña and northerly winds, November remained unusually warm. A brief cold spell early in December faded quickly. A western disturbance has now slowed the advance of winter, but the IMD indicates a fresh dip in temperature from Christmas week onwards.

Night temperatures in Kolkata and parts of South Bengal remain slightly above normal. For the next five days, no significant change is expected. Post-December 25, minimum temperatures in South Bengal are likely to fall by one to two degrees Celsius.

Weather across the state will remain dry on Monday, with a slight rise in daytime temperatures over the coming weekend, making mornings and evenings feel less chilly. Maximum and minimum temperatures are most likely to be around 23 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius respectively. Early morning fog has made its presence. The IMD has issued warnings for Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, Malda, and Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur. In Western districts and parts of North Bengal, visibility may drop below 200 meters due to dense fog. Experts advise caution for early morning commuters.

Expected minimum temperatures

  • Western districts — Purulia, Birbhum, Purba Bardhaman: 11 degrees Celsius – 12 degrees Celsius
  • North Bengal (Hills) — Darjeeling and surroundings: 6 degrees Celsius – 8 degrees Celsius
  • North Bengal (Plains) — Malda and surroundings: 15 degrees Celsius – 17 degrees Celsius

While South Bengal continues with a milder winter, North Bengal remains firmly in the grip of colder conditions. “The winter will gradually intensify across the southern districts after Christmas Day,” said an official.

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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