Chandigarh experienced its most severe chill of the current winter season on Sunday, as a dramatic plunge in daytime temperatures officially pushed the city into a 'cold day' condition. The sharp drop disrupted daily life, with dense morning fog severely hampering visibility and traffic movement.
Temperature Plunge and IMD Criteria
According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature recorded for the day was a mere 12 degrees Celsius. This reading was a significant 6°C below the normal average for this time of year, comfortably meeting the official IMD criteria for declaring a 'cold day'. Interestingly, the night provided little respite from the chill, with the minimum temperature settling at 9.2°C, which was actually 2°C above the normal low.
Dense Fog and Disrupted Visibility
The city woke up to a thick blanket of fog on Sunday morning, which drastically reduced visibility. Visibility levels dropped to as low as 150 metres, creating hazardous conditions for commuters and leading to traffic disruptions. IMD officials explained that high levels of humidity in the atmosphere were a key contributor to the persistent and dense foggy conditions.
The primary reasons cited for the sharp fall in the day's maximum temperature were the influx of cold northerly winds and a pronounced lack of sunshine. The weather remained dry, with no rainfall reported in the preceding 24 hours.
Forecast and Orange Alert Issued
The IMD has forecast that the challenging weather pattern is likely to persist over the next few days. Residents can expect cloudy skies and continued dense fog. Daytime temperatures are predicted to hover between 14°C and 15°C, while nighttime minimums are likely to range from 6°C to 8°C.
In response to the severe conditions, the weather department has issued an orange alert for Chandigarh. The alert advises citizens to take necessary precautions against the biting cold. It also urges motorists to exercise extreme caution and drive carefully during periods of poor visibility caused by fog.
