Chandigarh Sizzles with Record-Breaking January Heat
Chandigarh, often celebrated as the City Beautiful, found itself in the grip of an unusual winter heatwave on Thursday, as temperatures climbed to a scorching 26.3°C. This remarkable reading not only shattered the city's previous January high but also marked the hottest day in the month since 2012, standing a full 8 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm.
Historical Context and Meteorological Insights
According to detailed meteorological records, Chandigarh's maximum temperature in January has not crossed the 26°C threshold in over 14 years, making this event particularly significant. The previous record of 25.8°C, set on January 5, 2021, was decisively eclipsed. Met director Surender Paul attributed this surge to a combination of factors: eight consecutive days of clear skies, intense sunshine, and the influence of westerly winds, which collectively pushed the mercury to an all-time high for the month.
From Chills to Thrills: A Tale of Weather Extremes
This sudden heat spike arrives barely two weeks after Chandigarh endured its coldest day of the season on January 4, when the maximum temperature plummeted to a chilly 12°C, which was 6 degrees below normal. The rapid transition from biting cold to unseasonable warmth underscores the volatile nature of winter weather patterns in the region.
Interestingly, even as daytime temperatures soared, nights remained frigid. The minimum temperature settled at 4.8°C, which is 3 degrees below normal, creating a stark contrast that left residents basking in warmth by day but grappling with a biting chill after sunset.
Forecast and Upcoming Weather Changes
Paul indicated that relief is on the horizon, with a western disturbance expected to pull temperatures back down. This system is forecast to bring rain, thunderstorms, and lightning to Chandigarh on Friday. Over the next few days, conditions are likely to remain partly cloudy, with another bout of rain possible on January 27.
Looking ahead, maximum temperatures over the next five days are projected to hover around 16–17°C, while minimums are expected to range between 5–7°C, signaling a return to more typical winter conditions.
Detailed Temperature Data and Trends
Day Temperature Over the Last Few Days:
- January 22: 26.3°C
- January 21: 24°C
- January 20: 25.1°C
- January 19: 24.6°C
- January 18: 23.4°C
- January 4: 12°C
Highest Maximum Temperature Days of January in Past Years:
- 2026: 26.3°C on January 22 (Highest)
- 2025: 25.9°C on January 31
- 2024: 22.4°C on January 30
- 2023: 25.6°C on January 24
- 2022: 22.0°C on January 4
- 2021: 25.8°C on January 5
- 2020: 22.0°C on January 4
- 2019: 22.6°C on January 13
- 2018: 25.0°C on January 17
- 2017: 25.1°C on January 2
- 2016: 25.7°C on January 31
- 2015: 24.6°C on January 2
- 2014: 22.0°C on January 28
- 2013: 22.7°C on January 17
- 2012: 22.2°C on January 2
This comprehensive data highlights the rarity of the current heatwave and places it within a broader historical context, emphasizing the significance of Chandigarh's weather anomaly.
