Residents of Chandigarh received a brief, sunny interlude on Tuesday, but it offered little real relief from the persistent cold snap gripping the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has painted a grim picture for the coming days, forecasting no immediate respite from the chilly conditions.
IMD Data Confirms Below-Normal Temperatures
According to the latest IMD readings, the city's maximum temperature on Tuesday was recorded at 13.4 degrees Celsius. This figure is notably about 3 degrees Celsius below the normal average for this time of year. The minimum temperature did not offer much comfort either, settling at 7.7 degrees Celsius. This significant dip has ensured that both morning and evening hours remain intensely chilly.
Dense Fog Disrupts Daily Life
The early hours of the day were particularly challenging due to dense fog that blanketed the region. This severe weather phenomenon drastically reduced visibility, disrupting the daily routines of commuters, school-goers, and early morning workers. The fog's persistence has become a major concern for local authorities and citizens alike.
Five-Day Forecast Predicts Extended Cold Stress
The weather outlook for Chandigarh remains bleak. The IMD's forecast indicates that cloudy skies and dense fog are expected to prevail over the next five days. Daytime temperatures are predicted to hover in a narrow range between 13°C and 16°C. Nights are likely to be even colder, with mercury levels potentially dipping to a biting 5°C to 6°C.
This prolonged period of low temperatures, combined with poor visibility, is expected to extend cold stress across the entire region. The IMD's warning suggests that residents should prepare for continued disruptions and take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe during travel.
