Residents of Gurgaon woke up to a chilly and foggy Thursday morning, with dense fog enveloping the city and no sunshine in sight. The minimum temperature took a significant plunge, dropping by 3.1°C to settle at 10.1°C. This sharp decline came just a day after the temperature had risen by over 5°C to reach 13.2°C, highlighting the erratic weather patterns in the region.
Visibility Issues and Morning Chill
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the foggy start to the day resulted in low visibility across parts of Gurgaon, intensifying the morning chill for commuters and early risers. The maximum temperature for the day was recorded at 15.9°C, which was 1.1°C lower than Wednesday's reading, adding to the overall cold sensation.
Statewide Temperature Trends
The cold wave was not limited to Gurgaon alone, as several other areas in Haryana reported even lower temperatures. Narnaul in Mahendragarh emerged as the coldest spot in the state, with a minimum temperature of 2°C. It was closely followed by Bhiwani at 2.5°C. Other notable recordings included:
- Hisar: 5.6°C
- Chandigarh city: 6.6°C
- Karnal: 8.2°C
- Rohtak: 9.8°C
On a broader scale, Haryana's average minimum temperature saw a drop of 3.4°C, recording at 6.4°C compared to the previous day. Despite this sharp fall, IMD officials noted that minimum temperatures across the state remained near normal levels, indicating that such fluctuations are not entirely unusual for this time of year.
Causes and Forecast
The dip in temperatures was primarily attributed to north-westerly winds and clearer skies overnight, which facilitated heat loss from the earth's surface. Interestingly, no rainfall was reported from any station in Haryana over the past 24 hours, suggesting that the cold conditions were driven by atmospheric factors rather than precipitation.
Looking ahead, IMD has forecast that night temperatures are likely to fluctuate over the next couple of days. This means residents should brace for potential variations in the chill, with possible further drops or slight increases depending on weather patterns. The absence of sunshine and persistent fog could continue to impact daily activities and travel in the region.
In summary, Gurgaon and parts of Haryana are experiencing a notable cold spell, marked by dense fog and temperature swings. While the conditions are challenging, they align with typical seasonal behavior, as per IMD assessments. Staying updated with local weather reports is advisable for those planning outdoor activities.
