On Tuesday, the mercury in Kolkata climbed to 26.9 °C, the first time the city’s maximum temperature has surpassed the normal mark in over five weeks. The sudden spike, though only half a degree above the seasonal average, signals a shift in the winter weather pattern that could affect daily life, health, and the local economy.
Background/Context
For the past month, Kolkata has endured a string of unusually cool days, with temperatures hovering around the 24‑25 °C range—well below the 25.4 °C average for this time of year. The city’s winter, typically mild, has been punctuated by persistent cold fronts that brought wind chills and dampness. The latest rise in temperature marks a departure from this trend, raising questions about the underlying meteorological forces at play.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata, the last occasion when the maximum temperature exceeded the normal value during the winter was on 15 December. Since then, the city has struggled to reach the 25 °C threshold, with the minimum temperature dipping to a season low of 18 °C on 18 January. The current 26.9 °C reading, therefore, represents a notable reversal of the prevailing cold spell.
Key Developments
Met officials attribute the rise to a combination of weak north‑westerly and northerly winds that have failed to suppress the warming trend. While a sudden surge in temperature is unlikely, the RMC predicts a gradual increase over the coming days, barring the arrival of a strong western disturbance that could bring cooler air from central or northern India.
Key points from the RMC briefing:
- Maximum temperature: 26.9 °C on Tuesday, 0.5 °C above the normal mark.
- Minimum temperature: 14.2 °C, slightly below the seasonal average.
Max temperatures expected to oscillate between 25 °C and 26 °C; min temperatures likely to stay between 14 °C and 16 °C. Anticipated to pass through the north‑western region in the next few days but unlikely to bring significant rainfall.
HR Biswas, head of the RMC, stated, “We expect the mercury to start rising gradually in the next few days unless there is a strong western disturbance over regions like central or northern India that can make the mercury dip again. But we do not see any such system in the next one week.”
Impact Analysis
The temperature rise has immediate implications for Kolkata’s residents, especially students and outdoor workers who have been coping with prolonged cold conditions.
Health: The sudden warmth may reduce the risk of cold‑related illnesses such as bronchitis and influenza, but it could also increase the incidence of heat‑related discomfort, especially among the elderly and those with pre‑existing conditions.
Daily life: Schools and colleges may adjust indoor climate control settings, while commuters might experience less chill on public transport. However, the brief nature of the rise means that the overall seasonal pattern remains largely unchanged.
Economy: Retailers selling winter apparel may see a modest uptick in sales, while businesses that rely on cold weather—such as ice‑cream stalls and cold‑storage facilities—might experience a slight dip in demand.
For students, the shift could affect study habits. “I’ve been staying up late to finish assignments because the cold made it hard to focus,” said Priya, a final‑year engineering student. “Now that it’s warmer, I can get more sleep and be more productive.”
Expert Insights/Tips
Weather scientists and health professionals offer practical guidance to help residents navigate the changing climate.
Stay hydrated: Even in cooler weather, the body can dehydrate. Drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily.
Layer clothing: Use breathable layers that can be added or removed as temperatures fluctuate.
Monitor air quality: Warmer temperatures can exacerbate pollution levels. Check the Kolkata AQI before heading outdoors.
Adjust study schedules: If you’re a student, try to study during the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening) to avoid the midday heat.
Dr. Anil Kumar, a climatologist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, advises, “While the current rise is modest, it’s a reminder that weather patterns are becoming less predictable. Keep an eye on local forecasts and be prepared for rapid changes.”
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, the RMC anticipates a gradual warming trend over the next week, with temperatures likely to hover between 25 °C and 26 °C. The absence of a strong western disturbance suggests that the city will not experience a sudden drop in temperature.
However, climatologists warn that such fluctuations could become more frequent as global temperatures rise. “We’re seeing more erratic weather patterns in the Indian subcontinent,” notes Dr. Kumar. “Cities like Kolkata need to adapt to both cold snaps and unexpected warm spells.”
For students and professionals planning their schedules, the key takeaway is to remain flexible. “Plan for a range of temperatures,” advises RMC meteorologist R. S. Gupta. “Use real‑time weather apps and stay informed about any sudden changes.”
In the broader context, the Kolkata temperature rise underscores the need for urban resilience strategies—such as improved ventilation in public buildings, heat‑wave preparedness plans, and community awareness programs—to mitigate the health and economic impacts of shifting weather patterns.
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