Kolkata, the bustling heart of West Bengal, is gripped by an unrelenting cold wave that’s sending temperatures plummeting across the state. As winter tightens its hold, residents are bundling up against the chill that’s not letting up anytime soon.
Meteorological reports confirm that Kolkata’s mercury dipped to a bone-chilling 11 degrees Celsius early this morning, the lowest in recent weeks. Districts like Howrah, Hooghly, and North 24 Parganas are facing similar harsh conditions, with minimums hovering around 10-12 degrees. The cold snap has disrupted daily life, from schoolchildren waiting for buses in thick fog to office-goers braving the frost.
Experts attribute this prolonged cold to a western disturbance interacting with easterly winds over the Bay of Bengal. ‘The combination has stalled the usual warming trend,’ said a senior IMD official. Dense fog blankets major highways, causing traffic snarls and flight delays at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
Authorities have issued advisories urging caution for the elderly and vulnerable groups. Bonfires dot city streets as people seek warmth, while demand for woolens and heaters surges in markets. Relief is not immediate – forecasts predict the cold wave persisting for another 48-72 hours before a slight moderation.
This isn’t just about discomfort; health experts warn of rising respiratory issues and hypothermia risks. Hospitals report increased admissions for cold-related ailments. As West Bengal endures this arctic blast, the focus shifts to preparedness and community support amid the freeze.