Chandigarh: Winter is gradually loosening its grip over Punjab and Chandigarh, with meteorologists indicating that the season is entering its concluding stretch. While bright sunshine is expected on Friday, brisk and chilly winds blowing down from the hills are likely to keep the nip in the air intact through the day.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), no rainfall or significant weather disturbance is forecast across the region until February 26. Conditions are expected to remain largely dry and clear over the coming days.
Over the past 24 hours, daytime temperatures have edged upward. The maximum temperature across the state rose by around one degree Celsius and is currently running about 3.5 degrees above the seasonal average. The highest reading was recorded at Bhakra Dam in Rupnagar district, where the mercury touched 27.6°C.
Amritsar witnessed dense fog on Thursday morning, reducing visibility to less than 100 metres at one point. The city also recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the plains at 7.8°C. Across Punjab, daytime temperatures have ranged between 24.9°C and 27.6°C.
Weather officials said the trend of above-normal maximum temperatures is likely to persist this week. In the northern and eastern districts, daytime highs are expected to hover between 22°C and 26°C. Central, western and southeastern parts of the state may see temperatures climbing further, touching 26°C to 28°C.
Night-time temperatures are projected to stay between 8°C and 10°C, broadly in line with seasonal norms. However, a gradual rise of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures is anticipated over the next seven days.
Surendra Pal Singh, Director of the Meteorological Department in Chandigarh, stated that dry weather will prevail across the state. He added that the gradual warming trend signals the approaching transition from winter to early spring conditions.
