Kolkata witnessed a notable shift in its winter weather pattern on Tuesday as the maximum temperature climbed to 26.9°C, breaching the normal mark for the first time in over five weeks. This development marks a significant departure from the sustained cold conditions that have characterized the city's climate in recent weeks.
Temperature Trends and Meteorological Insights
The last instance when Kolkata's maximum temperature stayed above normal this winter occurred on December 15. While Monday's reading balanced precisely on the normal mark, Tuesday's measurement showed a clear upward movement. This comes after the season's lowest temperature of 18°C was recorded on January 18.
Although Tuesday's temperature was only 0.5 degrees above the normal threshold, its impact was particularly noticeable due to the prolonged period of colder conditions that preceded it. The city has been experiencing dry north-westerly and northerly winds, but according to meteorological officials, this wind system remains too feeble to prevent the gradual rise in mercury levels.
Forecast and Weather Systems
HR Biswas, head of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata, provided insights into the expected weather patterns. "We anticipate the mercury will begin rising gradually in the coming days unless a strong western disturbance develops over central or northern India, which could potentially cause temperatures to dip again. However, we do not foresee any such system developing within the next week," Biswas explained.
Meteorological officials have indicated that while a western disturbance is likely to pass through north-western regions in the coming days, this system will not be potent enough to trigger rainfall in those areas. This suggests the current weather pattern may persist without significant interruption.
Temperature Projections and Minimum Readings
In contrast to the rising maximum temperature, Kolkata's minimum temperature on Tuesday registered at 14.2°C, slightly below the normal mark. Weather officials expect the minimum temperature to fluctuate between 14 and 16 degrees during the upcoming week, while the maximum temperature is projected to swing between 25 and 26 degrees.
This temperature pattern indicates that while daytime conditions may become gradually warmer, nighttime temperatures will likely remain within the cooler range typical of Kolkata's winter season. The meteorological department continues to monitor these developments closely, providing regular updates to help residents prepare for the changing weather conditions.
