Cold Wave Warning in Delhi, Kolkata Temperature Falls Below Normal as Winter Intensifies Across Bengal
- Sohana Ahamad Khan
- 12 Nov, 2025
§ Delhi’s temperature drops to 9.9°C while Kolkata records 18.2°C—lowest in a decade. IMD warns of continued cold through November 14.
§ West Bengal weather update: Kolkata shivers at 18.2°C as northwest winds intensify cold wave. Check health safety tips and 5-day forecast.
§ Cold wave warning across Bengal.! Kolkata temperature plunges to 18.2°C, Delhi hits 9.9°C. IMD alert for continued chill through week.
§ Darjeeling temperature drops to 8°C, North Bengal fog alert. West Bengal weather forecast: Dry conditions, cold mornings through November 20.
§ IMD weather forecast: Cold wave spreads from Delhi to West Bengal. Minimum temperatures fall 2-3°C below normal; fog warning for coastal areas.
Kolkata: As a severe cold wave grips the national capital Delhi and spreads across central India, West Bengal is experiencing unseasonable temperature dips with Kolkata recording its coldest day in over a decade. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued critical alerts as minimum temperatures plunge to 18.2°C in Kolkata—significantly below the normal mark for mid-November.
Cold Wave Alert: Delhi Records Season’s Harshest Cold
Delhi is currently grappling with its first major cold wave of the season with temperatures plummeting to unprecedented lows. The national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 9.9°C at Aya Nagar weather station, marking the coldest reading so far this winter season. The IMD has officially declared cold wave conditions across Delhi-NCR with forecasts predicting temperatures could drop even further below 10°C in isolated pockets during early mornings and late evenings.
The severe cold wave is not limited to Delhi alone. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Jharkhand and Odisha. These regions are expected to experience severe to extreme cold wave conditions from November 10 through November 14.
“Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are very likely to prevail in isolated pockets of western Madhya Pradesh during November 10-12. Cold wave conditions are also likely in parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh during the same period,” the IMD stated in its official release.
Kolkata Shivers: Temperature Falls Below Normal for First Time
Kolkata has entered an unusually cold phase this November, recording its minimum temperature at 18.2°C on November 11—the lowest for this date in the past decade. The maximum temperature also dipped to 28.6°C, which was 1.5 degrees below normal and represented the lowest maximum temperature recorded on November 11 in over ten years.
The reason behind this sudden cold snap is the inflow of dry, chill-bearing northwest winds from the Himalayan region. These winds have created what meteorologists call an “early sub-20 plunge,” bringing winter-like conditions to Bengal much earlier than usual.
“The mercury dipped further in Kolkata on Tuesday. With the minimum temperature sliding to the 18-degree mark, it was the lowest for November 11 in the past decade,” confirmed Regional Meteorological Centre Kolkata head HR Biswas. The weather official also noted that while early cold conditions can indicate a harsh winter ahead, they are not definitive predictors without considering other meteorological factors.
South Bengal Weather Pattern: What to Expect Over Next Five Days
The India Meteorological Department has forecasted that dry weather will predominantly prevail across South Bengal during the first week of November (November 7-13). Minimum temperatures are expected to fall by 2-3°C at many locations across West Bengal during the first half of the week, with no significant change predicted in the second half.
Kolkata’s temperature is expected to remain in the range of 18-19°C for the next three to four days, with maximum temperatures hovering around 28°C. According to AccuWeather data, Kolkata will experience hazy conditions on November 12 with highs around 29°C and lows near 18°C.
The morning fog is expected to remain light to moderate across South Bengal districts, particularly in coastal and adjoining areas. Visibility may be reduced during early morning hours but the forecast suggests no major rainfall is anticipated during this period.
North Bengal Faces Heavier Fog and Chillier Conditions
North Bengal districts are bracing for more pronounced cold and fog conditions compared to their southern counterparts. The meteorological forecast indicates that light fog is probable across most North Bengal districts during early mornings with heavier fog concentrations expected in hilly areas like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Coochbehar and Jalpaiguri.
The northern districts are already experiencing dipping temperatures, with Suri recording 14.2°C—the lowest minimum temperature in the plains of West Bengal on November 11. Darjeeling hills recorded an even more frigid 8°C during the same period.
The forecast for North Bengal suggests clear daytime skies with temperatures ranging from 28-30°C during the day but plunging significantly at night. “Sunny, mostly clear skies with light morning fog” is expected to characterize weather patterns for the next five days across North Bengal.
Kolkata’s Temperature Drops to Lowest in a Decade
The dip in Kolkata’s daytime temperature is particularly notable this year. The maximum temperature of 28.6°C on November 11, 2025 was the lowest for this specific date during the past decade. This marks the fifth consecutive day that maximum temperatures have remained below normal in Kolkata.
Weather officials attribute this to the persistent flow of dry northwesterly winds, which have prevented atmospheric moisture accumulation and cloud formation. Without cloud cover to trap heat at night, temperatures continue to plummet.
The minimum temperature trajectory has shown a consistent downward trend. Just days earlier, Kolkata recorded 19.2°C on November 9, introducing the early “nip in the air” sensation that typically characterizes mid-to-late November. However, the 18.2°C reading represents an accelerated cooling process.
“Meteorologists said that even as this wind system is flowing into the city at present, its pace is only steady and the city has to wait for the chill. Any change in wind pattern due to a big weather system or cloudiness could disrupt the mercury fall,” explained Regional Meteorological Centre head HR Biswas.
Health Impact Analysis: What Cold Wave Means for West Bengal Residents
The IMD has warned of increased health risks during this extended cold period. Cold wave conditions can trigger various respiratory ailments including flu, running or stuffy nose, nosebleeds and exacerbation of chronic respiratory conditions.
Elderly people and children are particularly vulnerable to cold-related illnesses. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued comprehensive guidelines for protecting health during extended cold spells.
Key health recommendations include maintaining adequate indoor heating, consuming warm beverages regularly, avoiding alcohol which can paradoxically lower core body temperature and wearing multiple layers of clothing rather than single thick garments.
Doctors recommend increasing intake of vitamin-C rich foods, consuming hot soups and broths and ensuring proper hydration even in cold weather. Preventive measures like steam inhalation and wearing mittens instead of gloves for better insulation are also advised.
Weather Outlook: Duration and Intensity of Cold Conditions
According to IMD forecasts, the current cold wave will persist for approximately five more days with the most severe conditions expected through November 14. After that, there will be no significant change in minimum temperatures for another 2-3 days.
The forecast suggests that by mid-November, gradual seasonal cooling will commence across West Bengal. Overall minimum temperatures are likely to remain near normal with a slight negative departure over South Bengal, while North Bengal could see temperatures near normal with slight positive variations.
The absence of any active weather system in the region means this period will remain predominantly dry with no rainfall expected until at least November 14. This clear sky condition will continue to facilitate heat loss during nights.
Humidity and Air Quality Parameters
While temperatures have dropped significantly, atmospheric humidity levels remain moderate. Kolkata experienced relative humidity between 50-89% during the observed period with lower humidity in afternoon hours and higher humidity during early mornings.
Air quality in the region has deteriorated slightly with AccuWeather data indicating “very unhealthy” air quality in Kolkata on November 12. This is attributed to stable atmospheric conditions and minimal wind dispersion of pollutants.
Wind Pattern Analysis: Northwest Winds Drive Temperature Plunge
The relentless northwest winds originating from the Himalayan region are the primary drivers of the current temperature collapse. These dry winds have virtually eliminated cloud cover, allowing radiation of accumulated heat into the upper atmosphere during nighttime hours.
Meteorological data shows these winds are flowing at steady to moderate speeds, preventing rapid atmospheric mixing. If wind speeds were to increase, heat loss would accelerate even faster. Conversely, any disruption to this wind pattern from a weather system could temporarily stabilize or even raise temperatures.
Comparative Analysis: How This Winter Compares
The early intensity of this cold spell is notable. In 2024, the lowest November temperature recorded was 17.2°C on November 26, while in 2023, similar lows weren’t achieved until late November. The 18.2°C reading on November 11 this year represents significantly earlier cold penetration.
However, meteorologists caution against extrapolating this to predict an exceptionally harsh winter. “This early sub-20 plunge does not have a one-to-one relation with a more intense winter ahead,” explained weather officials, noting that various factors beyond November temperatures influence overall winter severity.
Rainfall Outlook: Dry Conditions to Persist
The meteorological forecast confirms that rainfall probabilities remain negligible across West Bengal for the foreseeable future. Dry conditions are expected to prevail through at least November 20 with no active weather systems in the region.
This prolonged dry spell means residents can plan outdoor activities with minimal concern for precipitation, though extreme cold should remain a consideration, particularly during early mornings and late evenings.
Conclusion: Winter Arrives Early to West Bengal
The convergence of cold wave warnings in Delhi and other northern regions, combined with the early temperature plunge in West Bengal, signals that winter has arrived ahead of schedule this year. Kolkata residents should prepare for sustained cold conditions through at least November 16 with particular attention needed during early morning hours when temperatures are lowest.
The dry, clear weather provides excellent visibility and pleasant afternoons but the sharp temperature contrast between day and night requires appropriate dressing strategies. Residents are advised to remain updated with IMD forecasts, as any sudden weather pattern change could alter these predictions.
Health and Safety Advisory
To remain safe and healthy during this cold wave period, residents should layer clothing appropriately, limit outdoor exposure during early mornings and evenings, consume warm beverages regularly, maintain adequate nutrition with winter foods and monitor elderly family members and young children closely.
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