IMD Issues Dense Fog Warning for North Bengal Districts
The India Meteorological Department has issued a significant dense fog alert for several districts in North Bengal, effective from Friday, January 30. The warning covers Darjeeling, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and North Dinajpur, where visibility is expected to drop dramatically to between 50 and 199 meters.
Weather Conditions Across West Bengal
While North Bengal prepares for challenging visibility conditions, the weather forecast reveals varied patterns across the state. On Thursday, January 29, light rain or snow is anticipated in one or two areas of Darjeeling district. Additionally, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar may experience light rainfall during this period.
The rest of West Bengal, including all districts in South Bengal, will remain dry. However, morning hours will bring shallow to moderate fog, reducing visibility to between 200 and 999 meters in these regions.
Extended Forecast and Impact Assessment
The dense fog conditions in North Bengal are expected to persist through Saturday morning, potentially affecting transportation infrastructure. Airports, highways, and railway schedules could face disruptions due to the significantly reduced visibility.
From Sunday through Tuesday, dry weather is forecast to prevail across the entire state. Temperature patterns are expected to remain stable, with no significant changes in minimum night temperatures anticipated over the next seven days.
Kolkata's Weather Outlook
Kolkata will experience morning mist followed by mainly clear skies throughout the forecast period. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 26°C and 27°C, while minimum temperatures will hover around 15°C to 17°C.
The seven-day forecast for Kolkata indicates consistent conditions:
- January 28-30: Highs of 26-27°C, lows around 16°C
- January 31-February 1: Maximum of 27°C, minimum dipping to 15°C
- February 2-3: Stable conditions with highs of 27°C and lows between 16-17°C
Precautionary Measures and Advisory
Authorities have issued specific recommendations for travelers in fog-affected northern districts:
- Use fog lights while driving during low visibility conditions
- Stay updated on transport schedules due to potential delays
- Exercise caution while driving on affected highways
- Vulnerable groups including the elderly, infants, and those with respiratory conditions should avoid outdoor activities during morning hours
Current weather readings as of Thursday morning showed Kolkata's maximum temperature at 26.8°C and minimum at 16.8°C, with relative humidity ranging from 47% to 91%. No rainfall was recorded in the 24 hours preceding 8:30 AM on Thursday.
The IMD's comprehensive weather assessment highlights the contrasting conditions between North and South Bengal, with the northern districts facing significant visibility challenges while the southern regions experience more moderate fog conditions.
