Kolkata Winter Woes: Unprecedented Warmth Sparks Climate Concerns

Kolkata - Kolkata is witnessing an unseasonably warm winter, with temperatures soaring far beyond the usual February norms. On February 1, the city's minimum temperature reached 22.6°C—seven degrees above average—leaving residents bewildered by the vanishing winter chill. This unusual warmth is not just a passing phase but a symptom of larger climate shifts that could redefine the city’s seasonal patterns.  

The primary culprit behind this temperature surge is an anti-cyclone over the Bay of Bengal, disrupting the usual northwesterly winds and bringing in excess moisture. This has created a warm and humid spell, effectively cutting short Kolkata’s winter. While a slight dip in temperature is expected around February 4, the relief may be short-lived, with forecasts predicting fluctuating warmth in the coming days.  

January 2025 has already gone down as the warmest in 15 years, with temperatures never dropping below 12°C. The frequent western disturbances this season have played a major role, bringing cloud cover that trapped heat and prevented the winter chill from settling in.  

This shift in seasonal patterns raises pressing concerns about Kolkata’s changing climate. If such warming trends continue, the city might need to rethink its infrastructure, water resources, and urban planning to adapt to the new reality.