Kolkata Turns Into Manali: Rare Winter Chill Freezes the City

 Kolkata’s Coldest Surprise: When the City Felt Like the Mountains. 

Kolkata Feels Like Manali — this phrase perfectly describes the city’s weather over the last two days, as an unusual winter chill has taken over the otherwise humid metropolis. Known for its mild winters, Kolkata surprised residents with significantly lower temperatures, dense fog, and a mountain-like cold atmosphere that reminded many of hill stations such as Manali.

Over the past 48 hours, early mornings in Kolkata were wrapped in thick fog, reducing visibility on roads and causing slow traffic during peak hours. The minimum temperature dipped well below the seasonal average, making people reach for heavy sweaters, shawls, and even jackets that are rarely needed in the city. Cold winds blowing from the north added to the chill factor, making outdoor conditions feel much colder than the actual temperature. Many residents described the air as “sharp and biting,” a sensation more commonly associated with Himalayan regions than a coastal plain city.

Daytime temperatures also remained lower than usual, with limited sunshine failing to provide much relief. Parks, markets, and riverfront areas along the Hooghly appeared quieter as people preferred staying indoors. Street vendors selling hot tea, coffee, and winter snacks saw increased demand, reflecting how deeply the cold affected daily life. The sudden drop in temperature also impacted vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and morning walkers, who had to adjust their routines.

Overall, the last two days turned Kolkata into a near-hill-station experience. While many enjoyed the rare cold spell and joked that “Kolkata feels like Manali,” weather experts suggest this chill is temporary, caused by northern winds and changing atmospheric conditions. Still, for now, the city continues to shiver under an unexpected winter wave.