Chandigarh Shivers as Winter Chill Intensifies with Dense Fog
Chandigarh experienced a bitterly cold night on Monday. Temperatures plunged to a mere 3.3 degrees Celsius. This marked one of the coldest nights of the current winter season. The city's Meteorological Department confirmed the reading. It noted the minimum temperature remained four degrees below the normal level for this time of year.
Visibility Drops Sharply, Commuters Face Hardship
Dense fog blanketed the city and its surrounding areas. This severe fog drastically reduced visibility on roads. Early morning commuters faced significant discomfort and delays. The fog created hazardous driving conditions throughout the region.
Daytime temperatures offered little respite. The maximum temperature settled at 14.3 degrees Celsius. This figure also stayed nearly four degrees below the seasonal average. High humidity levels compounded the cold. Humidity touched 95 percent during the morning hours. This moisture in the air made the chill feel more penetrating.
Weather Warning Issued for Dense Fog and Cold Wave
Weather officials have issued a specific warning. They forecast dense to very dense fog at isolated places over Chandigarh on January 13. Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are also likely during this period. The department urges residents to take necessary precautions. People should be especially careful during early morning and late night hours.
Significantly, Tuesday night coincides with Lohri celebrations. This night is expected to be particularly cold. The minimum temperature will likely hover around 3 degrees Celsius. Dense fog conditions will persist. Fog may intensify during late night and early morning hours. This could seriously affect travel plans for revelers.
Detailed Forecast for the Coming Days
The forecast for the next few days indicates continued cold in Chandigarh.
- January 13: Maximum temperature around 15°C, minimum near 3°C.
- January 14: Partly cloudy skies with dense fog. Day temperature around 14°C, night temperature close to 4°C.
A slight improvement in night temperatures is anticipated from January 15 onwards. The minimum temperature should gradually rise to around 6 degrees Celsius. The maximum may hover between 15 and 16 degrees. However, the sky will likely remain mostly cloudy. Dense fog will continue during morning and late evening hours.
No Major Relief in Sight Immediately
Meteorologists predict no major change in the minimum temperature for the next three days. A gradual rise of 2 to 4 degrees may occur thereafter. Despite this slight warming trend later in the week, foggy conditions will persist. Early mornings will remain particularly affected.
The weather department has issued clear advice for residents. People should drive with extreme caution. Using fog lights is essential. Avoiding unnecessary travel during low visibility hours is strongly recommended.
Health Experts Urge Public to Stay Protected
Health experts have also shared important guidance. They urge people, especially children and the elderly, to stay indoors during peak cold hours. Wearing adequate winter clothing is crucial to avoid cold-related ailments. The combination of low temperatures and high humidity poses a significant health risk.
The traditional Lohri bonfire will do little to ease this pervasive winter chill. Residents must prepare for a prolonged period of cold and foggy weather across Chandigarh.
