Residents of Chandigarh woke up to a sharper bite of winter on Friday as the city's mercury took a significant plunge, reinforcing the season's cold night conditions. The crisp morning air served as a stark reminder that the winter season is firmly entrenched across the Union Territory.
Temperature Plunge and Discomforting Humidity
According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chandigarh recorded a minimum temperature of 6.1 degrees Celsius. This marks a notable drop from Wednesday's reading of 7.6°C, bringing the city's nighttime chill closer to the expected seasonal average. The sharp fall ensured a cold start to the day, with the biting cold felt most acutely during the early morning and late-night hours.
Adding to the discomfort was the high level of humidity in the air, which peaked at a staggering 94%. This combination of low temperature and high moisture made the cold feel more penetrating. While dense fog was reported in some isolated spots around the region, visibility within the main areas of Chandigarh city remained largely clear.
Daytime High and the IMD's Forecast
The maximum temperature for the day provided little respite, settling at 17.1°C. Although this was a marginal increase from the previous day's high, it still hovered around the normal range for this time of year. The overall weather pattern indicates a persistent winter spell.
The IMD's forecast for the coming days suggests that residents should brace for more of the same. The skies are expected to remain mostly cloudy to partly cloudy. More critically, dense fog is likely to reappear during the night and early morning hours. Minimum temperatures are predicted to oscillate between 6°C and 7°C, confirming that the run of cold nights is far from over.
No Immediate Relief in Sight
With the weather models showing no significant warming trend on the horizon, the prevailing winter conditions are set to continue across Chandigarh. The consistent dip in nighttime temperatures, coupled with fog and high humidity, defines the current weather chapter for the city. Citizens are advised to continue taking necessary precautions against the cold, especially when venturing out in the early part of the day or after sunset.
