Archive · 30 Dec 2025
West Bengal Faces Severe Cold and Pollution-Linked Illnesses
West Bengal is experiencing very cold weather and a lot of pollution, which is making people sick.
In Darjeeling, it's below 4°C, and in Bankura, it's the coldest in the plains.
Many people are going to the hospital with breathing problems because of the bad air.
The weather is changing because of big wind patterns over Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal.
The coldest day in 13 years was recorded in Calcutta, with the temperature dropping to 18.2°C.
People are wearing more clothes and using fires to keep warm.
Doctors say it's important to see a doctor early to avoid getting very sick.
West Bengal is experiencing severe cold and dense fog, with temperatures dropping significantly in Darjeeling and Bankura.
Hospitals across Calcutta are reporting a rise in respiratory distress and dry cough cases, primarily due to air pollution.
The maximum temperature in Calcutta dropped to 18.2°C, the lowest in 13 years, with a minimum temperature of 13.5°C.
Doctors note that the cold weather and pollution are exacerbating respiratory illnesses, with many patients requiring oxygen or ventilation support.
The weather conditions are influenced by a cyclonic circulation over north Bangladesh and a trough in the easterlies over the Bay of Bengal.
- Who
- Residents of West Bengal, particularly in Calcutta, Darjeeling, and Bankura
- What
- Varied weather conditions including dense fog, low temperatures, and a rise in pollution-linked respiratory illnesses
- When
- Over the next week, with a possible late-week shift in weather in the hills
- Where
- West Bengal, India, with specific mention of Calcutta, Darjeeling, and Bankura
- Why
- Due to a cyclonic circulation over north Bangladesh and a trough in the easterlies over the Bay of Bengal, combined with high pollution levels
Health Impact
Weather Conditions
Respiratory Illnesses
Health Impact
Doctors report a significant rise in respiratory distress and dry cough cases, primarily due to air pollution.
Weather Conditions
The cold weather and high humidity are contributing to the formation of fog and low temperatures, exacerbating health issues.
- Location
- West Bengal, India
- Temperature in Darjeeling
- 3.8°C
- Coldest Plain in Bengal
- Bankura (9.0°C)
- Weather Conditions
- Dense fog, low temperatures, possible late-week shift in weather in the hills
- Influencing Factors
- Cyclonic circulation over north Bangladesh and a trough in the easterlies over the Bay of Bengal
- Maximum Temperature in Calcutta
- 18.2°C (lowest in 13 years)
- Minimum Temperature in Calcutta
- 13.5°C
- Relative Humidity
- 71%
Sources
Snowfall likely in Darjeeling as hills dip below 4°C: Read Bengal’s forecast for weather, fog as the year ends
Temperature continues to slide in Bengal, dense smog poses health hazards
At 18.2° high, coldest in 13 years; fog and moisture drag down day temperature
Spike in pollution-linked respiratory illnesses, patient count rises across hospitals - Telegraph India
IMD predicts rain in TN's Western Ghats; fog likely in some parts
No cold wave, but December chill grips Kolkata
