The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that West Bengal is currently in the grip of a severe and intense cold wave, with temperatures plummeting sharply across the state. The capital city of Kolkata recorded a chilling minimum temperature of 10.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, January 5, 2026, which is a significant 3.7 degrees below the normal average for this time of year.
No Relief in Sight, Cold Spell to Persist
Meteorologists at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore have delivered a stark warning, stating that there will be no immediate respite from the biting cold. Instead, a strong cold spell is expected to grip South Bengal for at least the next seven days. The forecast indicates that temperatures are likely to drop by another two notches by Wednesday, January 7th, intensifying the hardship for residents.
The primary driver behind this intense cold is the uninterrupted flow of dry northerly winds sweeping across the region. With no weather system to obstruct these winds, the mercury is falling rapidly, particularly in the western districts of South Bengal.
District-Wise Impact and Warnings
The cold wave is affecting the state unevenly, with around 9 to 10 districts expected to bear the brunt of the most intense chill. In North Bengal, the districts of Malda, North Dinajpur, and South Dinajpur are set to be severely impacted, with cold day conditions very likely to prevail.
The situation in South Bengal is equally grim. The western districts of Bankura, Birbhum, and West Burdwan (Paschim Bardhaman) are expected to experience severe cold. Additionally, Nadia, Murshidabad, and East Burdwan (Purba Bardhaman) will also feel the piercing cold. In several of these South Bengal districts, minimum temperatures may plunge to as much as five degrees below normal.
A major hazard accompanying the cold is the likelihood of dense fog during the early morning hours. Visibility could be reduced drastically to between 50 and 199 meters in districts like Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and North Dinajpur, posing risks for commuters and road transport.
Kolkata and South Bengal Forecast
Kolkata continues to shiver under harsh winter conditions. The Alipore weather office has forecast that while no major change is expected immediately, a slight further drop in temperature is highly likely. Over the coming days, the maximum and minimum temperatures in the city are likely to hover around 19°C and 11°C respectively.
In the western parts of South Bengal, including Purulia, Bankura, and Birbhum, night temperatures may even fall below 11 degrees Celsius. This persistent cold wave condition is predicted to last for at least the next five days.
North Bengal Braces for Snowfall
The cold spell is set to intensify further across North Bengal, bringing with it the possibility of winter precipitation. The IMD has predicted a strong chance of snowfall in the hilly district of Darjeeling, possibly accompanied by light rain. The neighboring district of Kalimpong may also experience rainfall.
Overall, the IMD's assessment points to a prolonged period of intense cold for the entire state of West Bengal. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions against the cold wave, especially during the early mornings and late nights when temperatures and fog are at their peak.
