Chandigarh: Large parts of North India, including Punjab, are expected to remain under dense fog for the next several days, prompting the Meteorological Department to issue a cautionary alert as visibility continues to drop sharply during morning and night hours.
Weather officials said thick fog was already observed across Punjab, Haryana and neighbouring states on Thursday, affecting road and rail movement. Experts attribute the prevailing conditions to recent snowfall in the higher Himalayan regions, which has led to a surge of cold air across the northern plains.
According to the forecast, foggy conditions are likely to linger for up to five days, with particularly cold weather expected in Punjab on December 19 and 20. The department has also warned of severe cold spells in some pockets, urging residents to take necessary precautions.
In Uttar Pradesh, the situation appears equally challenging, with dense fog and cold wave conditions predicted in more than 50 districts on December 19. Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during early morning hours and remain vigilant.
Amid growing concerns over road safety, the Punjab Police issued an advisory on social media, urging motorists to exercise caution. The police recommended the use of parking and hazard lights in low visibility, maintaining adequate distance between vehicles and keeping speeds under control while driving in fog.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) further noted that a western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region between December 20 and 22, bringing light rainfall and snowfall to Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Isolated areas may experience heavier precipitation on December 21.
Cold wave conditions are also expected to intensify in parts of Punjab over the next two days. Weather data showed that temperatures across several states remain below seasonal averages, with Indore recording the lowest minimum temperature among plains at 4.5 degrees Celsius.
Authorities continue to monitor the evolving weather pattern as residents across North India brace for prolonged fog and biting cold.
