The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather advisory for Chandigarh, warning residents and commuters of dense fog conditions expected to grip the Tricity over a four-day period. The foggy spell is predicted to commence on December 24 and persist through December 27, significantly reducing visibility and posing challenges for daily movement.
IMD Forecast Details and Weather Conditions
According to the meteorological officials, the weather pattern will see a shift starting December 23, which is expected to have mainly clear skies. However, the situation will change dramatically from the following day. From December 24 to December 27, Chandigarh is likely to experience dense fog accompanied by partly cloudy conditions.
IMD experts have explained that the combination of high humidity levels and calm winds is creating an environment highly favourable for the formation of dense fog. During this period, the maximum temperature is likely to hover between 20 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may drop to a chilly 9 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius. This will result in cold and foggy mornings and late nights.
Expected Impact on Transport and Daily Life
The impending dense fog is set to disrupt normal life and multiple modes of transportation. Authorities have highlighted several key areas of concern:
- Road Traffic: Visibility on roads is expected to drop sharply, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Rail Services: Train schedules, particularly early morning and late-night services, may face delays.
- Flight Operations: Operations at the Chandigarh Airport could be affected, potentially leading to rescheduling or cancellations of flights.
Official Advisory and Safety Precautions
In light of the forecast, local authorities and the IMD have issued crucial safety guidelines for the public. Commuters are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution while traveling. The key recommendations include:
Using fog lights while driving and avoiding high-beam headlights, which can worsen visibility for others. People have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during the early morning and late-night hours when fog density is typically at its peak. Drivers should maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and reduce speed.
This advisory is critical for ensuring public safety as reduced visibility during dense fog conditions is a major contributor to road accidents and transport delays. Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins from the IMD for any changes in the forecast.
