Kolkata records coldest day of season on Christmas

Kolkata ushered in Christmas wrapped in a bracing chill, with the mercury dipping to 13.7°C at daybreak—this winter’s first sub-14°C reading for the city. A veil of fog settled over the Maidan and Alipore at dawn, muffling sound and softening the skyline as residents stepped out in layers to make the most of the holiday mood.

By mid-morning, families and visitors were streaming toward the city’s green and cultural landmarks—Alipore Zoological Garden, Eco Park, Science City, Victoria Memorial, and the Indian Museum among them—turning the crisp air into part of the festive draw. The cool spell is expected to deepen over the next couple of days as northerly winds strengthen, allowing the winter feel to linger into the year’s end.

What’s driving the chill

Meteorologists report that a series of western disturbances has moved eastward from northern India, clearing the way for drier, colder northerly winds to surge into the Gangetic plains. This pattern often sharpens night-time cooling and can generate widespread morning fog in December and January. The Regional Meteorological Centre has indicated minimum temperatures could fall by another 2–3°C over the next 48–72 hours across parts of South Bengal, with the air remaining largely dry state-wide.

In Kolkata, the current minimum of 13.7°C sits about 0.8°C below the seasonal normal, while an earlier maximum of 23.7°C this week was roughly 1.9°C below average—an unusual but not unprecedented holiday-season dip. Clearer skies, lower humidity, and a steady northerly flow are combining to amplify nocturnal cooling.

Fog alerts and travel caution

Dense fog is likely at dawn in several districts, prompting a yellow alert in parts of South Bengal—especially Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman (West Burdwan), and Birbhum—where visibility could briefly plunge to 200–50 metres. Similar conditions are expected across North Bengal in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and North Dinajpur. Light to moderate fog may also blanket Kolkata and adjacent districts before lifting later in the morning. Commuters are advised to allow extra travel time and use fog lights in the early hours.

District-wise low temperatures

South Bengal shivered through some notably cold pockets on Christmas morning, led by Sriniketan at 8.5°C. Other minimums recorded included:

• Suri: 9.0°C
• Bankura: 9.1°C
• Burdwan: 10.0°C
• Asansol: 10.4°C
• Berhampore: 10.4°C
• Midnapore: 12.6°C
• Barrackpore: 13.0°C
• Diamond Harbour: 13.0°C

In the hills and northern districts, the cold was sharper still. Darjeeling touched 4.5°C, while Alipurduar fell to 8.0°C, Cooch Behar to 10.1°C, and Kalimpong to 10.5°C.

Seasonal context: cold spells in a warming world

Even as long-term climate trends point to milder winters globally, individual cold spells can remain intense, particularly when clear skies, dry air, and persistent northerlies line up. Eastern India’s winters are increasingly shaped by variability—short, sharp cold waves punctuated by warmer interludes—rather than a uniformly chilly season. Urban areas like Kolkata also experience a tug-of-war between the urban heat island effect and efficient night-time cooling when humidity drops and winds are favorable, sometimes producing abrupt swings in comfort levels from day to night.

Fog formation this week reflects classic winter dynamics: cool, calm nights and residual surface moisture that condenses near the ground. While morning fog can reduce visibility and disrupt transport, it often dissipates by late morning as temperatures rise. Healthwise, the colder, drier air can exacerbate respiratory issues; layering clothing, limiting early morning exposure for vulnerable groups, and using masks during foggy commutes can help mitigate risks.

What to expect next

– Temperatures: A further slide of 2–3°C in minimum temperatures is possible across South Bengal over the next two to three days, with a cool, comfortable daytime.

– Fog: Dense fog is most likely at dawn in the alerted districts; elsewhere, expect light to moderate fog that improves by mid-morning.

– Rainfall: Conditions are expected to stay dry statewide in the immediate term.

For now, the city appears poised to enjoy a classic year-end chill. As the holiday crowds gravitate toward parks and promenades, the interplay of foggy mornings and sunny afternoons is set to define Kolkata’s winter postcard—brief, beautiful, and brisk.