Kolkata, Dec 29 (NationPress) On Monday morning, Kolkata and various regions of West Bengal were enveloped in a thick layer of fog, as temperatures continued to decline, intensifying the cold as the year draws to a close.

The minimum temperature in Kolkata recorded at 13.5 degrees Celsius, which is 0.3 degrees below the normal range. For comparison, the minimum temperature on Sunday was 14 degrees Celsius. Adding to the chill, the maximum temperature did not exceed 21.4 degrees Celsius, approximately four degrees below the average. These frequent fluctuations in temperature, along with elevated air pollution levels, are presenting health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.

In an interview with IANS, environmental expert Somendra Mohan Ghosh indicated that rapid temperature changes combined with dense smog have caused a rise in air pollution, negatively affecting public health.

“Kolkata is facing hazardous to severe air quality levels. With a thick smog layer enveloping the city, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) is fluctuating between 335 and 350, categorizing it as ‘hazardous’ or ‘severe.’ The main pollutants detected are PM2.5 and PM10, with concentrations exceeding nine times the levels recommended by the World Health Organization,” Ghosh explained.

He emphasized that the mingling of fog and pollution is creating a dense haze throughout the city. “Severe AQI levels have been logged in several locations, including Ballygunge, Bidhannagar, Jadavpur, and the area around the US Consulate,” he mentioned.

Given the current circumstances, Ghosh urged residents to wear masks, scarves, and hats when going outside, especially in the early morning hours. He also advised that elderly individuals and children with respiratory conditions should stay indoors.

“Due to these hazardous conditions, it is highly advisable to remain indoors and limit exposure to polluted air. If it is necessary to go outside, masks should be worn. Morning outdoor exercises should be avoided,” he noted.

He further pointed out that sensitive groups—children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues—must take additional precautions. “Low wind speeds and misty conditions are trapping pollutants close to the ground, further deteriorating air quality,” Ghosh added.

In other regions of the state, Bankura recorded the lowest temperature in south Bengal, at 9.3 degrees Celsius on Monday. Other temperatures dropped to 9.5 degrees in Asansol, 9.4 degrees in Burdwan, and several other districts saw similar declines.

In the northern hills, Darjeeling reported a minimum temperature of 5.4 degrees Celsius, the coldest in the state, while Alipurduar noted a sharp decrease to 9 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the weather department has issued warnings for light to moderate fog across West Bengal, anticipating visibility to decrease from approximately 999 metres to around 200 metres in several locations. Dense fog is expected in Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, and North Dinajpur districts on Monday and Tuesday, where visibility could drop between 199 metres and 50 metres.