Chandigarh: Weather conditions across Punjab are expected to shift over the next couple of days as a fresh spell of rain and dense fog moves into the region. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert, warning of reduced visibility and light precipitation as the influence of an active Western Disturbance spreads from the hills into the plains.
Officials said rainfall activity has begun in parts of the state and is likely to continue until January 1. The change marks a departure from the recent dry conditions, with cloudy skies, fog, and intermittent showers forecast for many districts.
Severe Fog Disrupts Movement
Dense fog has already made travel difficult across Punjab, with visibility dropping to extremely low levels in several areas. In some locations, visibility was reported to be nearly nil, creating hazardous conditions for road users and disrupting transport services.
Air traffic was affected at both Chandigarh and Amritsar airports, where multiple flights were delayed due to poor visibility. Weather observations showed zero visibility in cities such as Amritsar, Adampur, Halwara, and Pathankot. Gurdaspur and Ludhiana recorded visibility of around 10 meters, while Patiala saw levels below 20 meters. Bathinda reported visibility of less than 50 meters during the early hours.
Rail movement was also impacted, with trains running at reduced speeds in fog-prone stretches, leading to delays for passengers.
Snowfall Reported in Himachal’s Higher Reaches
The changing weather pattern has also brought fresh snowfall to the upper regions of Himachal Pradesh. On Tuesday evening, snow began falling across the high-altitude areas of Lahaul and Spiti, turning mountain peaks white and signaling the onset of harsher winter conditions.
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has forecast the possibility of heavy snowfall in several parts of the state over the next two days. The snowfall has been welcomed by farmers and orchard owners, who depend on winter snow for soil moisture, while tourists have been drawn to the scenic transformation.
Authorities have advised residents and travelers in both Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to remain cautious, stay updated with weather advisories, and plan journeys carefully as fog, rain, and snowfall continue to affect the region.
