Chandigarh: A spell of unsettled weather linked to snowfall in the Himalayan region has begun to impact Punjab, prompting the Meteorological Department to issue alerts for rain and dense fog across large parts of the state. Light to moderate showers are expected in six districts on Saturday, while thick fog is likely to persist in 16 districts over the next two days.
According to the weather advisory, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr), Rupnagar and SAS Nagar (Mohali) are likely to receive rainfall. At the same time, a yellow alert for dense fog has been sounded for Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa and Sangrur, where visibility may drop sharply during early morning and late evening hours.
The changing weather has led to a significant dip in temperatures. Over the past 24 hours, the state’s maximum temperature fell by nearly nine degrees Celsius, settling around 4 degrees below the seasonal average. Day temperatures ranged between 11.4°C and 20.2°C, while the night minimum hovered from 8.5°C to 14.5°C. Gurdaspur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 8.5°C.
Meanwhile, rain accompanied by thunderstorms on Friday caused widespread damage in parts of Punjab and Chandigarh. A youth reportedly lost his life after coming into contact with a live electric wire, while the roofs of several houses collapsed in different areas. In Gurdaspur, a lightning strike at a poultry farm proved devastating, killing over 8,000 chicks within a short span. Strong winds also uprooted trees and toppled electricity poles, damaging parked vehicles in some locations. In Chandigarh, three children were injured when a residential structure gave way.
Meteorologists said the current spell is being driven by moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, combined with an active western disturbance affecting northwest India. A low-pressure system over Pakistan is further influencing the region’s weather, resulting in rainfall, falling temperatures and increased fog.
Weather experts have indicated that another western disturbance is likely to move into the region from January 26, potentially intensifying cold conditions and bringing additional rain and fog. Residents have been advised to remain cautious, particularly while travelling in foggy conditions, and to follow safety guidelines during adverse weather.
