Kolkata, Dec 28 (IANS) Kolkata recorded the season’s coldest day Monday with the mercury plummeting to 10.8 degrees Celsius, the lowest temperature on this day in the last five years.

The minimum temperature recorded Monday is three degrees below the average, the met office said.

The regional meteorological centre at Alipore also hinted at the minimum temperature dipping further in the next two days.

‘There are indications that the mercury may sink further. The temperature recorded on Dec 28, 2009 is the lowest in last five years,’ weather officials said.

Woollen pullovers, jackets and cardigans have tumbled out of the wardrobe over the last two days as a winter cold breeze sent the temperature sliding down.

However, for most Kolkatans the short winter comes as a welcome relief every year, as the city is known for its long summer with oppressive humidity.

And added to the winter vacation in schools and colleges, Monday saw more people hitting the streets to enjoy Christmas week as it was a national holiday for Muharram.

People went for picnics, visited tourist spots like the zoo or called relatives to their places for get-togethers.

‘We called up friends and enjoyed a rooftop picnic at our house’ said Raj Malhotra, a government servant.

‘My parents took me to Alipore zoo. It was great watching the tigers and lions and other animals,’ said Shivam Gupta, a class VI student.