Severe cold wave and dense fog grip Punjab, Chandigarh; orange alert issued for next three days
According to the IMD, minimum temperatures across Punjab have dropped by an average of 1.8°C in the last 24 hours
PTC Web Desk: People in Punjab and Chandigarh are set to face biting cold and severely reduced visibility over the next three days as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for cold wave conditions and dense to very dense fog. Despite the harsh winter spell, the weather is expected to remain dry for now.
According to the IMD, minimum temperatures across Punjab have dropped by an average of 1.8°C in the last 24 hours, bringing them close to normal levels for this time of year. Faridkot recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 4.3°C, while cold wave conditions were reported in Adampur. Dense fog was observed in Gurdaspur and Pathankot, severely affecting daily life and transport.
The dense fog also disrupted air traffic, with at least six flights from Chandigarh airport impacted due to poor visibility.
Due to persistent fog, visibility in several parts of Punjab dropped sharply to between 50 and 199 metre, causing difficulties for commuters and increasing the risk of road and rail accidents. The IMD has forecast dense to very dense fog at isolated places in Pathankot, Nawanshahr, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala and SAS Nagar (Mohali). Meanwhile, dry weather with dense fog is expected in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar and Bathinda.
Further fall in maximum temperatures
Maximum temperatures have also dipped, registering an average fall of 1.4°C in the last 24 hours. The highest maximum temperature of 25.4°C was recorded in Faridkot. Across the state, temperatures dropped between 0.2°C and 5.2°C.
The IMD has indicated that a weak western disturbance will become active on December 27, though it is unlikely to bring rain to the plains. Another western disturbance is expected around December 30 and 31, which may lead to snowfall in the Himalayan region.
There is a possibility of light rain on January 1 in parts of Punjab, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Rupnagar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Ludhiana and Mohali, though changes in the forecast remain possible.
On December 27, dense to very dense fog is likely at isolated places in Pathankot, Nawanshahr, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala and Mohali. Cold wave conditions may prevail in several districts, including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Ferozepur.
On December 28, very dense fog and cold wave conditions may intensify in districts such as Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Amritsar, while dense fog is expected in central and southern Punjab. Weather will remain dry.
On December 29, similar conditions are expected to continue, with very dense fog and cold wave in many parts of Punjab, including Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Muktsar and Mohali. Dry weather is likely to persist.