A punishing cold front has swept through West Bengal, dropping temperatures to multi-year lows in Kolkata and beyond. What started as a nip in the air has evolved into a full-blown freeze, testing the resilience of millions.
Current data reveals Kolkata’s minimum at 11.2°C, with Birbhum and Murshidabad districts shivering at 9.5°C. The cold wave, now in its fourth day, shows no signs of abating, accompanied by ground frost in elevated terrains.
Climatologists point to a cyclonic circulation over north India funneling chilled air southward. Foggy conditions have reduced visibility to hazardous levels, leading to over 20 accidents on NH-12 yesterday alone. Aviation authorities report multiple diversions.
Communities are adapting creatively – community kitchens serve hot khichdi, while NGOs distribute mufflers and socks to the homeless. Indoor activities boom as families stay in, boosting streaming services and online shopping for winter gear.
Health advisories emphasize layering up, staying hydrated despite the cold, and avoiding outdoor exertion. With minimums expected to hold steady, the state gears up for prolonged winter woes. This episode serves as a stark reminder of seasonal extremes in changing weather patterns.
West Bengal’s residents, from urban high-rises to village hamlets, share a common plight: enduring till the sun reclaims its warmth.