Kolkata, Oct. 22 -- As Durga Puja draws to a close, winter is getting ready to make its presence felt in Bengal, with temperatures likely to dip gradually in the coming days.
There is a popular saying in Bengal that winter follows as soon as the Durga idol is immersed. While last year's Puja ended in September, leaving the city grappling with heat and rain, this year's post-Puja mornings have brought some relief with a refreshing breeze. However, the change does not necessarily signal the onset of winter.
According to the weather office, Kolkata and adjoining areas are likely to experience little change in weather conditions until Lakshmi Puja. The sky over Kolkata and other parts of South Bengal may remain partly cloudy, while the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 32 degrees and the minimum around 23 degree Celsius.
While mornings and nights are likely to remain relatively comfortable, the heat may persist during the afternoon, particularly when the sun comes out. With daytime temperatures continuing to remain above 30 degree Celsius, the city is unlikely to experience sustained winter-like conditions anytime soon.
The gradual withdrawal of the monsoon influence often brings changes in weather patterns towards the end of October, accompanied by fluctuations in temperature. However, a consistent winter chill in Kolkata will depend on how weather conditions evolve over the coming days. The possibility of further rainfall in Kolkata also appears low for now. Partly cloudy skies and fluctuating temperatures are likely to shape the weather in the immediate future.
For now, Kolkata residents may have to settle for pleasant mornings and evenings, while waiting a little longer for winter to arrive in earnest.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.