A sudden and pronounced chill has descended upon Chandigarh, with the city witnessing a significant drop in temperatures and persistent foggy conditions over the last two days. The winter season has firmly tightened its grip, bringing colder days and nights alongside visibility issues that are affecting daily life.
Sharp Decline in Day and Night Temperatures
The most striking change has been in the mercury levels. On Friday, the maximum temperature recorded was 19°C. This marks a notable fall from the 21.9°C recorded just a day earlier, representing a drop of nearly 3 degrees Celsius within 24 hours. Furthermore, the day's high was about 2 degrees below the normal expected for this period of the season.
The minimum temperature followed a similar downward trend. It dipped from 9.9°C to 7.9°C, confirming that the cold is intensifying across the Union Territory. This consistent dip in both day and night readings signals the establishment of a colder phase.
Dense Fog Disrupts Morning Commute
The dominant weather feature, however, has been the thick blanket of fog. Dense fog enveloped the city on Friday morning, severely hampering visibility. In several parts of Chandigarh, visibility dropped to below 120 metres, creating challenging conditions for commuters and pedestrians.
This was not an isolated event. A day earlier, the city had also experienced dense to very dense fog, indicating a continuing pattern of poor visibility during the early morning hours. The persistent fog is a primary concern for road and air safety.
Forecast and Advisory for Residents
According to the weather outlook, Chandigarh is likely to see partly cloudy skies initially, which will give way to mainly clear conditions in the coming days. However, relief from the cold is not expected soon.
Temperatures are predicted to remain on the lower side. The maximum temperature is likely to hover between 19°C and 21°C, while the minimum is expected to range from 7°C to 9°C.
In light of the ongoing fog and reduced visibility, authorities have issued an advisory. Residents and commuters are urged to exercise caution during the early morning and late evening hours. Drivers are advised to use fog lights, reduce speed, and maintain safe distances. Pedestrians should wear visible clothing and be extra vigilant while crossing roads.
The combination of lower temperatures and fog is characteristic of peak winter in North India, and Chandigarh residents should prepare for similar conditions to persist in the near term.
