Chandigarh Gripped by Intense Cold Wave and Dense Fog
Winter tightened its hold on Chandigarh on Monday. The city recorded its lowest temperature of the season. The mercury plunged to 3.3 degrees Celsius. This reading triggered an official cold wave declaration. It was four degrees below the normal minimum for this time.
Daytime Brings Little Relief from the Chill
The daytime maximum temperature offered no respite. It settled at 14.3°C. This was also four degrees below the normal maximum. People across the city shivered throughout the day. A thick blanket of dense fog enveloped the area.
Fog Disrupts Morning Commute with Poor Visibility
The fog started forming around 1 AM. It persisted until noon on Monday. Visibility dropped to its lowest point between 8 AM and 8:30 AM. Commuters faced significant challenges. Driving became particularly tough with visibility reduced to just 100 meters. Some sunlight finally broke through after noon.
Comparing the Current Chill to Previous Winters
This season's low of 3.3°C marks a sharp drop. The previous lowest this winter was 4°C recorded on January 10. Last year during January, the lowest minimum temperature was 6°C. That occurred on January 27. The recent trend shows a steady decline in nighttime temperatures.
Recent Minimum Temperature Trend in Chandigarh:
- January 12: 3.3°C (Season's Lowest)
- January 11: 5.0°C
- January 10: 4.0°C
- January 9: 6.1°C
- January 8: 7.6°C
- January 7: 7.6°C
- January 6: 7.7°C
Weather Forecast Predicts Continued Cold Spell
The India Meteorological Department expects the cold conditions to persist. The forecast for the next five days predicts a mostly or partly cloudy sky. Dense fog is likely to continue during the mornings. Daytime temperatures will hover between 14°C and 16°C. Night temperatures will range from 3°C to 5°C. Another cold wave remains likely in the coming days.
Residents are advised to take necessary precautions. They should wear warm clothing and limit early morning outdoor exposure. The administration has issued alerts for commuters regarding the foggy conditions.
