After below-normal temperatures in the state in the first half of January, the weather office Sunday said that the mercury is set to rise across South Bengal in the next few days.

According to the Alipore Regional Meteorological Centre, temperatures in Kolkata and across the state will rise by 2 degree Celsius to 3 degree Celsius in the next 48 hours, followed by another 2 degree Celsius increase after Tuesday. Therefore, Kolkata residents will likely miss the cold weather that was prevailing till last week during the upcoming Saraswati Puja (January 23).

“There is a possibility of scattered rain next week. Between January 23rd and 29th, the minimum temperature may rise by another 2 degree Celsius. Yesterday (Saturday), Darjeeling was the coldest spot in North Bengal with a minimum temperature of 3.5 degree Celsius. Shantiniketan in South Bengal continues to experience a shivering cold, with the mercury dipping below 10 degree Celsius. Bankura and Kalyani also recorded minimum temperatures of 9.5 degree Celsius,” said an officer at the weather office.

On Saturday, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 13.1 degree Celsius (1.4 degree Celsius below normal), while the maximum reached 24 degree Celsius.

Fog warning

Thick fog is expected to persist in several districts of both North and South Bengal on Sunday and Monday. A fog alert has been issued for Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, and West Burdwan. Additionally, Hooghly, East Burdwan, and the North 24 Parganas may also experience heavy fog on Sunday.

Why is the temperature rising?

According to the Alipore Met Office, the fluctuation in temperature is due to consecutive western disturbances.