After 37 days of sub‑normal temperatures, Kolkata’s winter is finally easing as both daytime and nighttime temperatures rise above the long‑term average. The city’s meteorological centre reports a record‑breaking cold spell has ended, with the mercury climbing to 26.8 °C during the day and 15.4 °C at night on Wednesday, a full 1.3 °C above the normal minimum and 0.4 °C above the normal maximum.
Background / Context
Winter 2025‑26 in the eastern metropolis was marked by a persistent chill that broke records across the region. From early December, the city’s temperatures dipped below the climatological norm, culminating in the coldest New Year’s Eve in a decade when the mercury fell to 11 °C. In January, the minimum temperature plummeted to 10.2 °C on 6 January, the lowest in 13 years, while the maximum reached only 18 °C, the lowest for the month in at least a decade. These extremes have had a ripple effect on daily life, from increased energy consumption to heightened health risks.
For residents, the prolonged cold has meant more heating bills, a surge in respiratory complaints, and disruptions to outdoor activities. Students, in particular, have faced challenges with commuting in the damp, chilly weather and maintaining focus in classrooms that struggle to stay warm.
Key Developments
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata, the latest readings indicate a significant shift:
- Minimum temperature: 15.4 °C on Wednesday, 1.3 °C above the normal mark.
- Maximum temperature: 26.8 °C on Wednesday, 0.4 °C above the normal mark.
- Both figures represent a departure from a 35‑day streak of below‑normal maximum temperatures and a 9‑day streak of below‑normal minimum temperatures.
Head of the RMC, meteorologist HR Biswas, explained that the warming trend is expected to continue as long as no strong western disturbance develops over northwestern or northern India. “Climatologically, it is that time of the year when the mercury starts rising gradually,” Biswas said. “Unless an intense system like a strong western disturbance over northwestern and northern regions develops, affecting our region, we can expect the cold feeling to cease gradually, ushering in warmer days and nights.”
Current wind patterns show a weak northwesterly flow reaching the city, while a feeble western disturbance over northwestern India has slowed the movement of the dry, chill‑bearing system. This combination has allowed temperatures to climb, but the RMC cautions that a sudden shift could reverse the trend.
Impact Analysis
The easing of winter temperatures brings immediate relief to Kolkata’s residents, but it also carries implications for various sectors:
- Health: Lower temperatures reduce the incidence of cold‑related illnesses such as bronchitis and influenza. However, the sudden rise may catch people unprepared, leading to a spike in heat‑related discomfort.
- Energy consumption: Heating demand is expected to drop, potentially easing the strain on the city’s power grid and reducing household electricity bills.
- Education: Schools and colleges may see improved attendance and concentration levels as classrooms become more comfortable.
- Transportation: Warmer roads reduce the risk of icy patches, improving safety for commuters and freight services.
Students, in particular, stand to benefit from the warmer weather. The reduced chill can improve indoor air quality in classrooms, decrease the need for heating, and create a more conducive learning environment. Yet, the transition period may still see sporadic cold snaps if a western disturbance materialises.
Expert Insights / Tips
To help residents navigate the changing climate, meteorologists and health experts offer practical advice:
- Dress in layers: Even as temperatures rise, early mornings and evenings can remain cool. Layered clothing allows for quick adjustments.
- Maintain indoor humidity: Use humidifiers or indoor plants to keep air moisture levels balanced, reducing respiratory irritation.
- Monitor local forecasts: Stay updated on the RMC’s weekly outlook. A sudden western disturbance could bring a brief dip in temperatures.
- Adjust heating schedules: Gradually reduce heating usage to avoid sudden spikes in electricity demand.
- Stay hydrated: Warmer weather can increase perspiration; ensure adequate fluid intake, especially for students and outdoor workers.
Health professionals advise that individuals with chronic respiratory conditions should continue monitoring their symptoms and consult healthcare providers if they notice any changes. “The key is to remain flexible,” says Dr. Ananya Mukherjee, a pulmonologist at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. “A sudden temperature drop can trigger asthma attacks, so it’s important to have inhalers on hand.”
Looking Ahead
While the current trend points toward a gradual warming, the RMC remains vigilant. A strong western disturbance could still develop over the next few days, potentially bringing a brief return of cold temperatures. The centre has issued a mild alert, urging residents to stay prepared for possible fluctuations.
In the longer term, climate models suggest that the frequency of extreme cold spells in Kolkata may decline, but the city could experience more pronounced temperature swings. Urban planners and policymakers are urged to incorporate adaptive measures such as green roofs, improved insulation in public buildings, and enhanced public transport heating systems.
For students and educators, the upcoming weeks present an opportunity to adjust curricula and schedules to the new thermal realities. Schools may consider flexible indoor temperature controls and incorporate lessons on climate resilience into their science programs.
As Kolkata moves toward a more temperate winter, the city’s residents can look forward to a period of relative comfort, provided they remain attentive to the meteorological updates and adapt their daily routines accordingly.
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