Cold wave sweeps Punjab and Chandigarh; fog intensifies; air quality turns hazardous
PTC Web Desk: A severe cold wave continues to grip Punjab and Chandigarh, with temperatures dipping sharply during the early morning and evening hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for cold-wave conditions in eight districts of Punjab, while dense fog has also reduced visibility in several areas.
Over the last 24 hours, the state recorded a 0.6°C drop in temperature, placing the minimum temperature 1.6°C below normal for this time of year. Faridkot remained the coldest location, registering a minimum of 3.2°C.
In view of the extreme cold, the Chandigarh Health Department has issued an advisory urging residents to stay indoors as much as possible, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly, children and those with chronic illnesses.
Air quality worsens
Along with cold weather, pollution levels have sharply increased in parts of Punjab and Chandigarh. At 7 am, Mandi Gobindgarh reported a hazardous AQI of 253, while Chandigarh recorded an AQI of 217, indicating poor air quality.
Other major AQI readings across Punjab included: Amritsar: 185, Jalandhar: 168, Khanna: 131, Ludhiana: 159, Patiala: 123. Rupnagar and Bathinda, however, reported comparatively cleaner air. In Chandigarh, Sector-25 recorded an AQI of 217, and Sector-53 reported 208.
According to the IMD, a western disturbance active over northern Punjab and nearby regions is influencing local weather patterns. As cold winds continue to blow from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, temperatures are expected to stay low.
The weather department has forecast dry conditions for the next seven days, with no rainfall expected in the region. Light to moderate fog may occur in some places, especially during early mornings. Night temperatures are expected to remain almost the same for the next three days, though cold intensity may vary slightly from region to region.
- With inputs from agencies
