Kolkata residents experienced a sharp chill on Saturday morning as the city recorded its lowest temperature of the season so far. The mercury dipped to a brisk 14.5 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest morning this winter.
IMD Reports Significant Temperature Drop
According to an official from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature recorded at 6:30 am was a notable 2.1 degrees Celsius below the normal for this time of year. The reading of 14.5 degrees Celsius has set a new seasonal low, catching many Kolkatans off guard as they stepped out.
Regional Chill and Forecast
The cold wave was not confined to Kolkata alone. Other districts across Gangetic West Bengal also reported a decrease in nighttime temperatures. The IMD has issued a forecast predicting a further dip in the minimum temperature across the region within the next 24 hours.
While days remain relatively warmer, the maximum temperature in Kolkata is expected to hover around 26 degrees Celsius. However, residents should prepare for misty and foggy conditions during the evening and early morning hours, which could impact visibility.
Adapting to the Winter Chill
The sudden drop serves as a clear indicator that winter is firmly setting in over eastern India. The IMD's warning of colder conditions ahead suggests that the current chill is not an isolated event. Citizens, especially the elderly and children, are advised to take necessary precautions against the cold weather.
This early morning plunge highlights the shifting weather patterns as the year ends, with the IMD closely monitoring the situation for any further advisories.
