Bengal Braces for a Chilly Winter: La Niña Promises a Cold Spell Across the Region

BY A STAFF REPORTER: As the festival of Durga Puja approaches, Bengal eagerly anticipates the arrival of the revered goddess, Durga, who will descend to Earth to vanquish malevolent forces. Accompanied by her four children, Durga will be worshipped according to tradition. The festivities will commence with the Bodhan on the sixth day, followed by the Nabapatrika Snan on the seventh, the Sandhi Puja on the eighth, and the sacrifice of the Shadripu on the ninth day. The culmination will see the goddess’s departure, leaving Bengal awash in the joy of the autumn festival, which brings light and joy, dispelling all darkness.

As the Bengali community basks in the vibrant celebrations, the burning question on everyone's mind is: What will this winter be like? Currently, the oppressive heat of Bhadra month makes the anticipation of winter all the more poignant. Winter in Bengal, marked by the months of Kartik and Agrahayan, is synonymous with a bounty of vegetables, Nolen Gur, and traditional sweets like pithas—making it an eagerly awaited season for food enthusiasts.

This year, however, there's good news for those longing for a crisp winter. According to the latest forecast from Delhi's Mausam Bhavan, Bengal is expected to experience a pronounced cold spell. The Pacific Ocean's La Niña effect is playing a significant role in this forecast. La Niña refers to a phase where the upper water levels of the Pacific Ocean are cooler than usual. This phenomenon often leads to increased rainfall and, when persistent, can result in a marked drop in temperatures.

La Niña's impact is not confined to Bengal alone but is set to influence the entire country, bringing a significant chill. Northern and hilly regions will be blanketed with snow, and dense fog will enhance the winter's visual charm. Weather experts predict that maximum temperatures will remain below normal, and Bengal, including regions like Birbhum, Purulia, and Darjeeling, will experience both 'cold days' and 'cold waves'. A cold wave is characterized by temperatures falling 4.5 degrees Celsius below the average. Additionally, the winter season will see a reduction in rainfall across Bengal.

In summary, Bengal can look forward to a truly chilly winter this year, enhancing the seasonal festivities and providing a welcome respite from the heat.