Chandigarh: Northern India continued to experience intense winter chill on Friday, as temperatures in Haryana and Punjab dropped close to the freezing point, causing discomfort for residents across the region.
In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded the lowest temperature at 1.5°C, followed by Narnaul at 2°C and Hisar at 2.2°C. Other parts of the state also shivered under the cold, with Ambala at 5.8°C, Karnal at 6.2°C, Rohtak at 5.2°C, and Gurugram and Faridabad both recording lows of 4.9°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Punjab also faced biting cold, with Ballowal Saunkhri in SBS Nagar district recording a minimum of just 0.9°C. Gurdaspur, Bathinda, and Amritsar reported lows of 2.7°C, 3°C, and 3.2°C respectively, while Ludhiana dipped to 5.2°C and Patiala registered 6°C.
Chandigarh, shared by the two states, saw the mercury fall to 5.3°C, accompanied by dense morning fog that reduced visibility across the city and other regions. The cold wave has prompted authorities to advise people to take precautions, especially early in the morning and late at night.
The IMD has warned that temperatures are likely to remain low over the weekend, with dense fog and chilly winds persisting in several areas, intensifying the winter discomfort for residents.