Kolkata (FNO): Winter has firmly arrived in Kolkata, bringing with it chilly mornings, cool afternoons, and a noticeable drop in temperatures across the city. Residents woke up to misty skies and a sharp nip in the air as the minimum temperature dipped below the seasonal average, marking one of the coldest spells of the season so far.

Early morning commuters were seen wrapped in sweaters, shawls, and jackets, while parks and riverbanks wore a foggy look during dawn hours. The iconic Maidan and Princep Ghat witnessed reduced footfall in the early hours as cold winds swept in from the north.

According to weather officials, the drop in temperature is due to northerly winds carrying cold air from the Himalayan region. While daytime temperatures remain pleasant, nights and early mornings are expected to stay cold over the next few days. Humidity levels have also fallen, adding to the winter chill.

The cold wave has brought mixed reactions among Kolkatans. While many welcomed the brief but pleasant winter after months of heat and humidity, street vendors and daily wage workers reported difficulties during early working hours. Demand for woollen clothes, blankets, and hot beverages has surged in local markets, with tea stalls doing brisk business.

Health experts have advised elderly people and children to take precautions, especially during early mornings and late nights. Doctors have also reported a rise in cases of seasonal cough, cold, and respiratory discomfort.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast that winter conditions will continue in the city for the coming days, with clear skies and no immediate chance of rainfall. As Kolkata embraces its short-lived winter, the city slows down just enough to enjoy the cool breeze, warm tea, and festive winter evenings.