Punjab and Haryana: A sharp cold wave swept across Punjab and Haryana on Friday, with residents waking up to frigid mornings as temperatures plunged to near-record lows. Faridkot emerged as the coldest city in the region, recording a minimum of 3°C, according to the Meteorological Department.
The bitter cold extended across major towns and cities, affecting daily life and prompting people to wrap up in multiple layers of clothing to combat the dropping mercury. Chandigarh, the shared capital of both states, registered a chilly low of 6.1°C, while Bathinda experienced a near-freezing 3.2°C.
Punjab’s Other Cold Spots
Several other cities in Punjab reported sub-6°C temperatures:
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Amritsar: 5.8°C
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Ludhiana: 5.6°C
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Patiala: 5.8°C
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Gurdaspur: 5.5°C
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Ferozepur: 6.2°C
Residents in northern Punjab were particularly affected, with early morning fog reducing visibility and adding to the biting chill.
Haryana Shivers in the Cold
Haryana too faced a severe cold snap, with Narnaul topping the list at 3.5°C, closely followed by Hisar at 3.7°C. Other parts of the state also recorded low temperatures:
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Karnal: 5.8°C
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Rohtak: 6°C
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Bhiwani: 6°C
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Sirsa: 5.4°C
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Ambala: 7.7°C
The early winter cold has prompted authorities to issue advisories, especially for the elderly and children, urging them to take precautions against the frigid conditions. Farmers have also been warned to protect crops from frost in the coming days.
Meteorologists attribute the current cold wave to clear skies, calm winds, and the retreat of western disturbances, which are typical during this time of the year in northwestern India. Residents can expect slightly warmer days but continued cold nights over the weekend.
The intense chill has once again highlighted the need for adequate winter preparedness, particularly in northern India, where temperatures can dip sharply in December.
