The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for very dense fog across large parts of Punjab and Haryana, with severe cold wave conditions expected to persist until Thursday, December 26. The intense winter spell is causing significant disruptions to road, rail, and air transport while raising serious health concerns for residents.
IMD's Orange Alert and Forecast Details
An orange alert for very dense fog remains in force for the majority of both states until December 26, and at isolated places on December 27. Weather conditions have remained dry, but a combination of low temperatures and persistent fog has created cold stress. According to IMD norms, a cold wave over plains is declared when the minimum temperature drops 4.5°C to 6.4°C below normal, or when the actual minimum temperature is 4.0°C or lower.
Surinder Paul, director of IMD Chandigarh, stated that southern and western districts of Haryana, including Mahendragarh, Rewari, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, and Charkhi Dadri, are likely to experience cold wave conditions over the next two to three days.
Temperature Plunge and Regional Impact
In Haryana, despite near-normal day temperatures, cold day conditions were observed at isolated places. Narnaul recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 5.4°C, while Faridabad saw the highest maximum at 25.1°C. Chandigarh reported a maximum of 23.5°C.
Punjab also witnessed dry weather with cold conditions intensifying during night and early morning hours. Gurdaspur shivered at a low of 5.3°C, supporting the likelihood of cold wave conditions in rural areas. Bathinda recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 26.1°C, with Sri Anandpur Sahib at 25.4°C.
Transport Disruption and Health Advisory
The IMD forecasts dense to very dense fog to intensify over the next 72 hours, especially during late night and morning hours. Visibility is expected to drop sharply, particularly in key districts.
In Punjab, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Bathinda are on high alert. In Haryana, Ambala, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, Gurugram, and Faridabad are likely to be severely affected.
Dense fog (visibility 50-200 metres) and very dense fog (visibility below 50 metres) are expected to majorly disrupt transportation networks, increasing the risk of accidents and delays.
Health experts warn that the fluctuating temperatures increase vulnerability to respiratory illnesses, flu, and cold-related stress, particularly among children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
The IMD has issued the following advisories:
- Residents should limit outdoor exposure, wear adequate winter clothing, and consume warm fluids.
- Motorists must drive with extreme caution, use fog lights, and stay updated on travel advisories.
- Authorities in the power, transport, and health sectors have been asked to remain prepared as conditions intensify.
