Kolkata Shivers At 10.2°C, Coldest January Day In 12 Years

On January 6, 2026, Kolkata woke up to an unusually harsh winter morning as the mercury dropped to 10.2°C, marking the city’s coldest January day in over a decade. The minimum temperature was significantly below the average of 16–17°C, prompting residents to brace for an extended cold spell.  

According to the IMD, the chill is expected to persist, with temperatures likely to decline further by 1–2°C over the next two days before stabilizing. Dense fog has been reported across several districts, including Murshidabad, Nadia, North Dinajpur, Coochbehar, and Jalpaiguri, reducing visibility and impacting transport. In the hills, Darjeeling recorded near-freezing conditions at 3°C, while Sriniketan in Birbhum dipped to 6.2°C.  

Key Highlights  

• Kolkata recorded 10.2°C, coldest January day in 12 years  
• Temperature nearly seven degrees below seasonal average  
• Dense fog alerts issued for multiple North Bengal districts  
• Darjeeling at 3°C, Sriniketan in Birbhum at 6.2°C  
• IMD forecasts further dip in temperatures till January 8  

Final Takeaway  
The rare cold wave has gripped Kolkata and surrounding regions, with IMD urging residents to prepare for continued chill and foggy conditions. The unusual drop highlights the intensity of winter this season across Bengal.  

Sources: Indian Express, PTI, Outlook India