CHANDIGARH/DELHI — Residents in Punjab and Chandigarh are waking up to a yellow alert as thick fog blankets the region, while neighbours in the Delhi-NCR area are already reaching for the fan switch as temperatures climb. The Chandigarh Meteorological Department warned on Friday, February 27, 2026, that visibility will remain a significant challenge for the next 48 hours, even as the mercury begins a slow upward crawl across Northern India.
In Punjab, the cold wave refuses to relinquish its grip entirely. While maximum temperatures rose by a marginal 0.4 degrees Celsius over the last 24 hours, the primary concern for authorities remains the “Yellow Alert” for dense fog. Morning commuters and transport operators are being urged to exercise extreme caution on highways and at railway stations, where low visibility is expected to disrupt transit schedules. Despite the hazy mornings, the weather is expected to remain dry with no immediate precipitation on the horizon.
Further south, the capital region is undergoing a much more distinct seasonal transition. In Delhi and Noida, the daytime heat has become palpable enough that many households have already started using fans to stay comfortable. The nighttime chill has noticeably receded, signalling an early retreat of winter. Friday’s forecast for the capital suggests clear blue skies with only a light dusting of morning haze, as the maximum temperature prepares for a steady, incremental rise over the coming week.
Meteorologists note that while Punjab continues to battle visibility issues that could impact road and rail safety, the overall trend suggests a gradual warming across the plains. For now, travellers in the Punjab and Chandigarh sectors are advised to stay vigilant and check for travel delays, while those in Delhi can expect a pleasant, albeit warmer, end to the month.
