Chandigarh Shivers as Mercury Plunges to 2.8°C, Declaring Official Cold Wave
Chandigarh residents woke up to an exceptionally frigid Wednesday morning. The city officially recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the current winter season. According to the latest data from the Chandigarh Weather Observatory, the mercury dropped sharply to a mere 2.8 degrees Celsius.
Temperature Dips Below Normal and Even Hill Stations
This reading stands significantly below the normal seasonal average. It even undercuts temperatures recorded in the popular hill station of Shimla on the same day. Shimla reported a minimum of 7°C and a maximum of 16°C, making the plains of Chandigarh feel surprisingly colder.
The sharp temperature fall positioned Chandigarh among the coldest locations in the northern plains. The maximum temperature for the day did not offer much relief either. It settled at 15.2°C, which remained well below the expected seasonal norm by several degrees.
IMD Declares Cold Wave Conditions
Meteorological officials confirmed the severity of the situation. They stated the minimum temperature was a full 4 degrees Celsius below normal. This drop officially meets the India Meteorological Department's criteria for declaring a cold wave.
This marks a continuation and intensification of the chilling trend. The city was already under cold-wave conditions earlier in the week. The previous season's low was 3.3°C, recorded just on Tuesday.
Dense Fog Adds to Wintry Misery
Adding to the discomfort for commuters and residents, dense fog enveloped Chandigarh and its surrounding areas during the early morning hours. This significantly reduced visibility on roads, disrupting normal traffic flow and creating hazardous driving conditions.
Weather experts explained the cause behind this intense cold spell. They attributed it to the influx of icy northwesterly winds combined with clear night skies. These conditions allowed for rapid heat dissipation after sunset, leading to the sharp temperature drop.
Outlook and Precautions
The cold wave conditions are likely to persist in the coming days. Meteorological forecasts suggest residents should brace for continued chilly weather. Officials have advised the public to take necessary precautions, especially during the late night and early morning hours when temperatures are at their lowest.
Furthermore, the dense fog accompanied by cloudy weather is expected to linger. Current predictions indicate these foggy conditions may stay for approximately the next five days, prolonging the wintry grip on the region.
