The northern plains of India, particularly the states of Punjab and Haryana along with the union territory of Chandigarh, have been plunged into a deep chill, marked by a significant drop in nighttime temperatures and widespread dense fog. The regional meteorological department has confirmed that this weather pattern is set to persist, bringing discomfort and travel woes to residents.
Mercury Plummets Across the Region
On the morning of Tuesday, January 16, 2024, the city of Chandigarh woke up to a cold 6.9 degrees Celsius. This reading was recorded by the officials at the Chandigarh Meteorological Centre, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing winter spell. The drop in temperature was not an isolated event but part of a broader trend affecting the entire northwestern region.
Other major cities in the vicinity reported similarly low readings. Ambala in Haryana registered a minimum of 7.2 degrees Celsius, while Ludhiana and Patiala in Punjab recorded 7.8 degrees and 8.2 degrees Celsius respectively. The data clearly indicates a widespread cooling, bringing daytime activities to a slower pace as people brace against the cold.
Dense Fog Creates Havoc for Commuters
Accompanying the low temperatures was a blanket of dense fog that severely reduced visibility across vast stretches of Punjab and Haryana. The fog, which formed during the late night and early morning hours, created hazardous conditions for road, rail, and air travel.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued specific warnings for this phenomenon. They forecasted dense to very dense fog in several pockets of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh for the next two to three days. Visibility was drastically reduced to just 25 meters in many areas, forcing authorities to advise extreme caution. The IMD's advisory explicitly stated, "Motorists are advised to be careful while driving and use fog lights during early morning hours."
The impact on transportation was immediate and significant. Several flights and train services experienced delays due to the poor visibility conditions. Commuters faced long waits and schedule disruptions, highlighting the fog's tangible effect on daily life and logistics in the region.
Forecast and Broader Weather Implications
The weather outlook for the coming days suggests little respite. The IMD has predicted that cold day to severe cold day conditions are likely to continue over parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh for the next 48 hours. A cold day is officially declared when the minimum temperature is 10 degrees Celsius or below and the maximum temperature is at least 4.5 degrees below the normal.
This persistent cold wave and fog scenario is attributed to specific meteorological factors. The presence of light winds and high moisture levels in the lower atmosphere over the Indo-Gangetic plains creates ideal conditions for fog formation. Additionally, the lack of strong western disturbances has allowed the cold, dense air to settle over the region.
Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, including wearing warm clothing, staying hydrated, and being extremely careful during early morning travel. The elderly and children are particularly vulnerable during such cold spells. The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely and will update its warnings as the weather pattern evolves.
