South Bengal is witnessing one of its most severe and prolonged cold spells in recent memory, with weather conditions turning exceptional across both urban and interior districts. Meteorologists describe the ongoing phase as the strongest cold spell in nearly 13 years, marked by persistently low minimum temperatures and rare frost formation in some areas.
Kolkata Records Lowest Temperatures in Over a Decade
In Kolkata, the chill intensified sharply this week. The minimum temperature dropped to 10.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, followed closely by 10.3 degrees on Wednesday. Such back-to-back low readings underline the intensity of the cold wave affecting the region and place the city among the coldest winter phases it has experienced in over a decade.
Cold day conditions, dense morning chill, and biting northerly winds have significantly altered daily life, especially during early morning and late-night hours.
Shantiniketan Sees Sharp Dip to Near-Freezing Levels
Interior districts have borne the brunt of the cold more severely. Shantiniketan recorded a minimum temperature of just 5.6 degrees Celsius, one of the lowest readings in South Bengal during this cold spell. Such temperatures are uncommon for the region and reflect strong radiational cooling under clear night skies.
Frost Appears in Purulia, Sign of Severe Cold
In parts of Purulia, early morning frost was observed, a rare phenomenon in South Bengal. Frost formation indicates that minimum temperatures likely fell to between one and four degrees Celsius in localized pockets. Experts note that frost occurs only during intense and prolonged cold spells, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the current weather pattern.
Brief Relief Expected Before Cold Tightens Again
According to forecasts, temperatures may rise slightly over the next two days due to partial cloud cover and temporary changes in wind flow. This brief moderation is expected to be short-lived. From thereafter, temperatures are likely to drop again as skies clear and cold northerly winds strengthen once more.
Cold Spell to Continue for at Least Another Week
Meteorologists predict that the cold spell will persist at least for the next one week, potentially extending till mid-January. With prolonged below-normal temperatures, South Bengal is set to remain under the grip of winter severity, making this cold spell one of the longest and most notable in the region’s recent climatic history.