Written by Sweety KumariDecember 29, 2025 03:22 PM IST 2 min readWest Bengal is set to witness varied weather conditions over the next week, marked by dense fog, low temperatures in parts of the state and a possible late-week shift in weather in the hills.Meteorological observations on Sunday morning showed a chilly start, with Darjeeling recording a minimum temperature of 3.8 degrees Celsius, while Bankura emerged as the coldest in the plains at 9.0 degrees Celsius. Dry weather currently prevails across the state, though a cyclonic circulation over north Bangladesh and a trough in the easterlies over the Bay of Bengal are influencing local conditions.According to the forecast, light rain or snowfall is likely at one or two places in the higher reaches of the Darjeeling district in the next few days. Similar light rain is expected in parts of Kalimpong and Alipurduar districts by the start of the new year. South Bengal, however, is likely to remain dry through the first week of January.Dense fog remains a major concern, particularly during early morning hours, with visibility expected to drop to between 50 and 199 metres. Districts likely to be affected include Uttar Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar in north Bengal, and North and South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur and several other districts in south Bengal. The foggy conditions are likely to persist till January 3.Meanwhile, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 14 degrees Celsius on Sunday.In terms of temperature trends, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata said minimum temperatures in north Bengal are likely to see no major change over the next seven days. In south Bengal, minimum temperatures are expected to remain steady for the next two days, followed by a gradual rise of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the subsequent three days, before stabilising thereafter.The weather office cautioned that dense fog may disrupt air, rail and road traffic, and advised commuters to drive cautiously during early morning hours and remain updated on travel schedules.Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Darjeeling