Even as temperatures across Bengal fluctuated over the past day, dense fog affected visibility in several districts. In South Bengal, Bardhaman recorded the lowest minimum at 10.8 degrees Celsius, while in the North Bengal plains, Alipurduar registered 9 degrees Celsius. The hill regions saw the sharpest drop, with Darjeeling dipping to 4.8 degrees Celsius. Kolkata (Alipore) logged a minimum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius — 0.7 degrees Celsius above normal.

“Visibility was impacted by fog across several districts: moderate fog (200m–500m) was reported in Purba Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Paschim Bardhaman, Malda and Jalpaiguri. Shallow fog (500m–1,000m) was observed in Coochbehar, Kolkata, Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas, Birbhum and Bankura,” the weather office stated.

Despite expectations of a harsher winter due to La Niña and northerly winds, November remained unusually warm. A brief cold spell early in December faded quickly. A western disturbance has now slowed the advance of winter, but the IMD indicates a fresh dip in temperature from Christmas week onwards.

Night temperatures in Kolkata and parts of South Bengal remain slightly above normal. For the next five days, no significant change is expected. Post-December 25, minimum temperatures in South Bengal are likely to fall by one to two degrees Celsius.

Weather across the state will remain dry on Monday, with a slight rise in daytime temperatures over the coming weekend, making mornings and evenings feel less chilly. Maximum and minimum temperatures are most likely to be around 23 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius respectively. Early morning fog has made its presence. The IMD has issued warnings for Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, Malda, and Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur. In Western districts and parts of North Bengal, visibility may drop below 200 meters due to dense fog. Experts advise caution for early morning commuters.

Expected minimum temperatures

While South Bengal continues with a milder winter, North Bengal remains firmly in the grip of colder conditions. “The winter will gradually intensify across the southern districts after Christmas Day,” said an official.