Chandigarh: Winter conditions tightened their hold over Punjab and Chandigarh on Thursday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounding a yellow alert for cold wave and dense fog across large parts of the region. While daytime temperatures showed a slight upward movement, the overall chill continued, keeping mercury levels below seasonal averages.
The maximum temperature across the state climbed by about 3.6 degrees Celsius, yet it remained nearly two degrees below normal. Amritsar emerged as the coldest spot, recording a minimum of just 3.7 degrees Celsius. Despite the biting cold, weather officials ruled out any rainfall for the day.
Cold wave warning in select districts
Meteorologists cautioned that parts of Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda and Mansa are likely to experience severe cold conditions. Dense fog is also expected to blanket several districts, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Moga, Sangrur, Patiala, Mohali and Malerkotla, among others, potentially disrupting daily life and transport services.
Visibility drops sharply
On Wednesday, thick fog significantly reduced visibility across the region, causing inconvenience to commuters. Chandigarh recorded an alarming low of just 40 metres, while Bathinda saw visibility fall to 50 metres. Faridkot and Ludhiana reported visibility levels of 150 metres and 190 metres, respectively. Amritsar and Faridkot also witnessed cold wave conditions during this period.
Western disturbance to alter weather pattern
Weather experts attributed the prevailing conditions to snowfall in the higher reaches and the influence of an active western disturbance over Jammu and adjoining areas. Strong upper-level winds, reaching speeds of around 130 knots, are currently sweeping across North India. Another weather system is expected to approach northwest India from the night of January 30, which could further impact conditions in the plains and bring snowfall to mountainous regions.
Rain forecast from January 31
IMD Director Surendra Pal said a shift in the weather is likely over the coming days. Light rainfall is expected at isolated locations on January 31 and February 3, while more widespread light to moderate showers could occur across the state on February 1. Some areas may also receive rain on February 2. Night temperatures are predicted to dip by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next two days, followed by a gradual rise of 3 to 5 degrees later in the week.
Residents have been advised to remain cautious during early morning and late-night hours, particularly while travelling, as dense fog and low temperatures continue to pose risks.
