§  Winter Fury

§  Bengal Shivers Under Longest Cold Spell in Five Years

§  West Bengal weather update

§  Record winter spell grips the state with Sriniketan at 9.8°C

§  Kolkata shivers at 15.8°C. IMD predicts sustained cold wave

West Bengal Weather Update: West Bengal is currently experiencing its most intense and prolonged winter spell in half a decade with temperatures plummeting significantly below normal across all districts. From the Himalayan peaks of Darjeeling to the coastal plains of the south, the entire state is wrapped in a thick blanket of cold, driven by active northerly winds and global weather phenomena like La Niña.

On Wednesday, the mercury dipped to freezing levels in several areas. Darjeeling recorded a bone-chilling 4.8°C, while the university town of Sriniketan in Birbhum stunned residents with a low of 9.8°C. Even the usually moderate capital, Kolkata has seen temperatures consistently hovering around the 15°C mark for five consecutive days, signaling a robust winter innings that meteorologists predict will last until at least December 19.

The Meteorological Cause: La Niña and Cyclonic Circulation

The sudden intensity of this year’s winter is not accidental. According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, the current freeze is fueled by a combination of powerful atmospheric factors. The primary driver is the “La Niña” phenomenon and a negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), both of which are known to enhance the severity of winter in the Indian subcontinent.

Adding to this is a cyclonic circulation (Upper Air Circulation) currently positioned over East Bangladesh and adjacent areas. Simultaneously, a Western Disturbance is active over Northwest India, specifically the Jammu and Kashmir region, supported by a Westerly Jet Stream. These systems have cleared the path for icy, dry northerly winds to penetrate deep into Bengal without obstruction, causing the sharp drop in both day and night temperatures.

District-Wise Temperature Report: The Chill Factor

The cold wave has spared no one, with Western districts bearing the brunt of the chill.

Key Temperature Readings (Wednesday)

·       Darjeeling: 4.8°C (Near freezing conditions)

·       Sriniketan: 9.8°C (Coldest in the plains)

·       Cooch Behar: 10.6°C

·       Purulia: 11.0°C

·       Kolkata: 15.8°C

In Kolkata, the maximum day temperature yesterday was recorded at just 25°C, which is a significant 2.5 degrees below the seasonal normal. This trend of below-normal day temperatures has persisted for four days, creating a “full winter feel” even during the afternoon hours.

Forecast: What to Expect in the Next 9 Days

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a clear forecast: the winter vibes are here to stay.

·       South Bengal Outlook
For the districts in South Bengal, the “winter feel” will remain intense. Night and day temperatures will continue to stay below the normal average. The forecast predicts that this cold spell will continue uninterrupted for the next seven days. Mornings will see light fog or mist, clearing up to give way to bright, sunny but cool days. The weather will remain completely dry with zero possibility of rain. While a slight rise in temperature might occur after next Tuesday, the overall wintry sensation will not fade.

·       North Bengal Outlook
In the northern districts, especially the hill areas, residents should prepare for dense fog in the early morning hours. Visibility could drop to 200 meters in isolated pockets of the plains. However, skies are expected to clear up as the day progresses, offering crisp winter sunshine.

National Context: Cold Wave Sweeps India

Bengal is not alone in this freeze. A broader cold wave condition is currently sweeping across Central and Northern India. Severe cold conditions have been reported in

·       Chhattisgarh

·       Madhya Pradesh

·       Odisha

·       Vidarbha

·       Uttarakhand

·       Himachal Pradesh

Furthermore, dense fog is disrupting daily life in Northeast India, specifically in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura. Neighboring Odisha is also experiencing significant foggy conditions alongside the cold.

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Impact Analysis: Agriculture and Health

This extended “dry winter” spell is a double-edged sword.

Agriculture: The sustained cold is generally beneficial for winter crops like wheat and mustard, provided the frost does not become too severe in the western districts like Purulia and Bankura. However, the lack of winter rain might require farmers to rely heavily on irrigation.

Health: The sudden and sustained drop in temperature, combined with morning smog/fog in urban areas like Kolkata, poses risks for those with respiratory issues. The 15-degree variance between day and night temperatures can also lead to viral fevers and colds. Residents are advised to dress warmly, especially during early morning and late night travel.

Key Facts Summary

·       Coldest Spot: Darjeeling (4.8°C).

·       Plains Coldest: Sriniketan (9.8°C).

·       Kolkata Temp: 15.8°C (Night), 25°C (Day).

·       Forecast: Sustained cold wave for next 9 days.

·       Rainfall: 0% chance (Dry weather).

·       Cause: La Niña, Western Disturbance, Cyclonic Circulation.

·       Fog Alert: Dense fog in North Bengal & Northeast India.

Conclusion: A Winter to Remember

After years of fluctuating and mild winters, 2025 seems determined to break records. With the mercury dipping below 10°C in the plains and hovering near 4°C in the hills, Bengal is experiencing a “textbook winter.” The synergy of La Niña and clear northerly wind channels guarantees that sweaters and jackets will be out of the closets for the long haul—at least until December 19.

As the state gears up for Christmas and New Year, this crisp, chilly weather sets the perfect mood for the festive season, provided citizens take necessary precautions against the biting cold.

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