Chandigarh Records Season's Coldest Night at 2.8 Degrees Celsius
The Tricity region woke up to a severe cold spell on Tuesday morning. A thick blanket of dense fog covered Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali. This intense weather followed a freezing Lohri night that left residents shivering.
Chandigarh's minimum temperature plunged to 2.8 degrees Celsius late on Tuesday. This reading marks the coldest night of the current season. The festive cheer from Lohri bonfires quickly faded as the bitter cold set in.
Weather Observatory Reports Significant Temperature Deviation
According to the Chandigarh Weather Observatory, the minimum temperature fell four degrees below normal levels. The maximum daytime temperature reached only 15.2 degrees Celsius. This was three degrees below the seasonal average.
High moisture levels intensified the cold sensation. Maximum relative humidity touched 94 percent, while minimum humidity stood at 65 percent. These conditions made the cold feel even more piercing to residents.
Dense Fog Severely Impacts Visibility and Commute
Dense to very dense fog engulfed the Tricity during early morning hours. Major roads and highways experienced drastically reduced visibility. Meteorological officials confirmed very dense fog not only in Chandigarh but across several parts of Punjab and Haryana.
Commuters drove with extreme caution throughout the morning. Traffic moved at a painfully slow pace due to the poor visibility conditions. Many drivers reported difficulty navigating familiar routes.
Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Poor' Category
While residents battled the biting cold, air quality emerged as another serious concern. The Central Pollution Control Board released data showing troubling numbers. At 4 pm on January 13, Chandigarh recorded an Air Quality Index of 234.
This reading places Chandigarh in the 'Poor' air quality category. Panchkula fared even worse with an AQI of 284, also classified as 'Poor'. Weather experts explain this deterioration through winter-specific conditions.
Low wind speed, temperature inversion, and persistent fog trap pollutants close to the ground. This leads to significant spikes in pollution levels, particularly during night and early morning hours.
Health Advisory Issued for Vulnerable Groups
The weather department has issued specific health recommendations. They advise people to limit outdoor exposure, especially during peak fog hours. Children, senior citizens, and individuals with respiratory ailments receive particular mention.
Officials recommend wearing masks when stepping outside. This precaution helps reduce inhalation of polluted air during these challenging weather conditions.
IMD Forecasts Continued Cold and Foggy Conditions
The India Meteorological Department predicts cold and foggy weather will persist across the Tricity. Their forecast extends for the next five days, offering little immediate relief.
On January 14 and 15, the region should expect mostly cloudy skies. Dense fog will likely appear during morning and night hours. Maximum temperatures may range between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius.
Minimum temperatures could hover between 5 and 6 degrees Celsius. From January 16 onward, a slight improvement might occur. The IMD predicts partly cloudy skies with dense morning fog.
Day temperatures may gradually climb to around 17 degrees Celsius on January 16 and 17. By January 18, they could touch nearly 18 degrees Celsius. Night temperatures might rise marginally over the weekend.
These could settle between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius. However, fog will continue posing challenges for commuters. Road, rail, and air traffic may face disruptions during early morning hours.
The weather department maintains its cautionary stance. They urge residents to prepare for ongoing difficult conditions throughout the week.
