Siliguri, Dec. 5: Sunny days have given way to cloudy weather and rain in Siliguri and Jalpaiguri where people are scurrying about in their woollens as the temperature plummeted as low as 13 degrees Celsius after Friday.

Weather experts have attributed the sudden cloudiness to a western disturbance that is presently crossing Sikkim in the eastern direction. The disturbance increases chill and brings rainfall to the region during the winter.

“A western disturbance that is currently crossing Sikkim over to the northeastern India has brought down the daytime temperature (maximum temperature) in the sub-Himalayan Bengal and Sikkim. The effect of the western disturbance is likely to last another 24 hours,” said Indranil Sengupta, the assistant meteorological officer of Regional Met Office in Jalpaiguri.

The western disturbance is a phenomenon in which clouds bearing moisture form over the Mediterranean Sea and then move west and reach India.

The normal maximum and minimum temperatures had come down to 26 degrees Celsius and 13 degrees Celsius respectively since December 2.

Figures collected from Siliguri and Jalpaiguri since December 2 till today (see chart) show a steady dip in the day temperature (maximum) and an increase in the night temperature (minimum).

“The day temperature has been coming down steadily since Friday as the cloud cover formed by the incursion of moisture from the western disturbance has reduced insolation (incoming solar radiation) during the day. However, the insolation prevents the heat from escaping at night, contributing to the increase in the minimum temperature,” said the official.

Jalpaiguri experienced showers measuring 4.3mm today under the influence of the western disturbance. Siliguri had received a drizzle last evening.

The clouds have shrouded skies of hill towns like Kurseong and Darjeeling.

These places had been experiencing bright sunny days in the past one week offering beautiful views of the landscape. Kurseong got light rainfall today.

With the nip in the air, people are coming out in woollen jackets, mufflers and caps.

They, however, seemed to enjoy the chill.

“It looks that winter is here finally. This is the season I enjoy the most despite the bout of cold and chilblains. It is the time we get to wear woollens, drink hot beverages with snacks while huddled at home watching our favourite show on television,” said Sanghamitra Roy, a resident of Shivmandir.

Stalls in Bhutia Market here have lined up caps, mufflers and mittens in a variety of designs and colours for the people to beat cold.

“With the winter setting in, we have had a steady stream of customers looking for mittens, stockings and caps during the weekend,” said a trader at the market.