Kolkata and various parts of West Bengal woke up to dense fog, with temperatures dropping and cold conditions becoming more severe. The minimum temperature in Kolkata was 13.5 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal, while the maximum temperature remained at 21.4 degrees Celsius, significantly lower than usual. The fluctuating temperatures, combined with high air pollution levels, are posing health risks, especially for the elderly and children.
Environmental expert Somendra Mohan Ghosh highlighted that rapid temperature changes and dense smog have contributed to a rise in air pollution levels, negatively impacting public health. Kolkata is currently experiencing hazardous to severe air quality, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) ranging between 335 and 350, falling under the ‘hazardous’ or ‘severe’ category. Primary pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10 are exceeding World Health Organization guidelines by more than nine times.
Ghosh emphasized that the fog and pollution mix is creating a thick, smoky haze over the city, with severe AQI levels reported in various areas including Ballygunge, Bidhannagar, Jadavpur, and the US Consulate region. To combat these conditions, Ghosh advised the public to wear masks, scarves, and caps when going outside, particularly in the mornings. He also urged individuals with respiratory issues, especially the elderly and children, to stay indoors.
Given the hazardous air quality, Ghosh recommended staying indoors and minimizing exposure to polluted air. He advised against outdoor activities, especially in the early morning, and stressed the importance of wearing masks if outdoor movement is necessary. Ghosh further highlighted the need for extra caution among sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems due to low wind speeds and misty conditions trapping pollutants near the surface.
In other parts of West Bengal, Bankura recorded the lowest temperature in south Bengal at 9.3 degrees Celsius, with temperatures also dropping in Asansol, Burdwan, Sriniketan, Berhampore, Kalaikunda, Midnapore, Contai, Panagarh, Purulia, Kalyani, Barrackpore, Digha, Krishnanagar, Uluberia, Salt Lake, and Dum Dum. The northern hills saw Darjeeling with a minimum temperature of 5.4 degrees Celsius, the lowest in the state, and Alipurduar at 9 degrees Celsius.
The weather department issued a warning for light to moderate fog across West Bengal, with visibility expected to decrease significantly in various areas. Dense fog is anticipated in Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, and North Dinajpur districts, where visibility may drop to as low as 50 meters.
