Residents across North India woke up to a welcome change on Sunday as a thick blanket of dense fog, which had disrupted life for days, finally lifted. The dramatic improvement in visibility came courtesy of strong winds and increased cloud cover, providing much-needed relief from the intense cold wave conditions.
Weather Shift Brings Relief and New Warnings
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the active western disturbance influencing the region was responsible for the change. While this system cleared the fog, it also led to a rise in minimum temperatures across several states. However, the relief may be short-lived. The IMD has issued a significant Orange Alert for New Year's Day, January 1, 2024, predicting a return of dense fog in many areas.
In Chandigarh, the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, the day began with shallow fog and a minimum temperature of 7.2 degrees Celsius, which was two degrees above normal. The maximum temperature settled at a pleasant 21.5 degrees Celsius. Similar conditions were reported in Patiala, which recorded a low of 6.8 degrees Celsius.
Regional Forecast and Advisory
The forecast for the coming days indicates a mix of conditions. Monday is expected to be partly cloudy with the possibility of light rain in some isolated parts of the region. The wind pattern is predicted to change, which could lead to the reformation of fog. Specifically, the IMD has forecast dense to very dense fog in isolated pockets over Punjab and Haryana on Monday morning.
Authorities are advising citizens, especially those planning New Year travel, to exercise caution. The return of low visibility conditions poses risks for road and air travel. The public has been urged to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins and to follow any advisories issued by the disaster management authorities.
Broader Impact Across North India
The recent fog episode had severely impacted transportation networks, leading to delays and cancellations of numerous flights and trains. The improved visibility on Sunday allowed operations to gradually return to normal. However, with the Orange Alert in place, airlines, railways, and highway authorities are preparing for potential disruptions again at the start of the new year.
The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely, noting that the behavior of the western disturbance will be key. While it brought temporary respite, its movement will determine whether the harsh cold wave and foggy conditions will firmly re-establish themselves over the plains of North India in the first week of January.
