Kolkata, Jan 3 (NationPress) The arrival of a western disturbance has resulted in a notable increase in temperatures throughout Kolkata and various districts in south Bengal, providing a short-lived respite from the prolonged periods of frigid temperatures that had plummeted to approximately 11 degrees Celsius.

On Saturday morning, Kolkata's minimum temperature was recorded at 14.2 degrees Celsius, which is near the seasonal average. The previous day, the minimum was 13.1 degrees Celsius, while December 31 marked the coldest day of the season with temperatures dropping to 11 degrees Celsius.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Alipore has indicated that the minimum temperature across south Bengal is expected to rise further in the next 24 hours due to the ongoing weather system. However, once the western disturbance dissipates, a significant drop in night temperatures is anticipated starting Tuesday.

“This current weather system has led to a temporary increase in minimum temperatures. From Tuesday onward, the state is predicted to experience severe cold conditions lasting around five to six days. Meanwhile, north Bengal will continue to be affected by winter chill. There is also a chance of rain and snowfall in Darjeeling later today and tomorrow,” an RMC official stated.

Forecasts suggest that minimum temperatures in south Bengal may rise by two to three degrees Celsius shortly. In north Bengal, however, no substantial temperature changes are expected in the next 24 hours, although a decrease of about two degrees could occur over the following three days.

The meteorological department has issued a dense fog warning for all districts in north Bengal, where visibility may reduce to between 50 and 199 meters in areas such as Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda. Light rain and snowfall are anticipated in Darjeeling this Saturday and Sunday, with scattered rainfall also possible in Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Alipurduar districts.

Additionally, dense fog warnings have been issued for parts of south Bengal, with morning visibility potentially dropping to around 50 meters in districts such as Nadia, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, Purulia, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, and Birbhum. Despite the fog, the weather in south Bengal is expected to remain dry for the time being, with no rainfall predicted.