Red alert issued for dense fog and cold wave in Punjab, Chandigarh as visibility drops to zero in several parts
PTC Web Desk: Dense fog and cold wave conditions tightened their grip over parts of Punjab and Chandigarh on Friday, following which the Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the first time this season. While no rainfall is forecast, extremely poor visibility and plunging temperatures have disrupted normal life across several districts.
Amritsar and Halwara reported zero visibility, significantly affecting road and air traffic. Despite the dip, temperatures remained about three degrees above the seasonal average. Faridkot recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 5.5 degrees Celsius. Weather officials have warned that night temperatures are likely to fall further over the next three days.
Flight operations were also impacted due to low visibility. Around 10 flights were affected at Chandigarh airport, while air traffic at Amritsar airport also witnessed disruptions.
The weather department has warned of very dense fog at several places in Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala. Dense to very dense fog may also occur at isolated locations in districts, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Rupnagar, Mohali and Malerkotla. The weather is expected to remain dry.
According to the Meteorological Department, dry conditions are likely to persist across Punjab in the coming days. Minimum temperatures may fall by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next three days, after which no major change is expected.
On January 4, the department has forecast very dense fog across most districts, with cold wave conditions in parts of Majha and Malwa regions. On January 5, dense to very dense fog is expected to continue, along with cold wave conditions in multiple districts. On January 6, extremely dense fog is predicted in central and northern Punjab, while southern districts may see dense fog. Dry weather will prevail.
Authorities have advised residents to exercise caution while travelling, especially during early morning and late-night hours, and to stay updated with weather advisories.
- PTC NEWS
