A severe cold spell tightened its grip on Gurgaon and Haryana on Thursday, sending temperatures plummeting further. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant warning, forecasting dense to very dense fog across several parts of the state for the next five to seven days.
Sharp Dip in Day and Night Temperatures
Gurgaon experienced a notably chilly day. The city's maximum temperature was recorded at 21.1 degrees Celsius, which is 0.3 degrees lower than Wednesday's reading. More strikingly, the minimum temperature took a sharp dive, settling at 7.1 degrees Celsius. This represents a significant drop of 3.6 degrees from the previous day, making early mornings particularly cold. Despite the chill, the city saw sunlight throughout the day with no early morning fog reported.
Statewide Cold Wave and Fog Conditions
The cold wave was widespread across Haryana. The state's average maximum temperature fell by 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to Wednesday, now standing 2 degrees below the normal seasonal average. Cold wave conditions persisted at isolated places, accompanied by patches of moderate to very dense fog.
Weather stations across the state recorded extremes. The highest maximum temperature of 24 degrees Celsius was noted at the Palwal water service division AWS. In contrast, the lowest minimum temperature plunged to a biting 4.3 degrees Celsius at the canal resthouse Saragthal AWS in Sonipat. The IMD confirmed that weather conditions remained dry across the entire state.
Forecast and Commuter Advisory
The IMD's regional centre in Chandigarh has forecast dense to very dense fog at a few places in Haryana over the coming days. Cold wave conditions are also likely to continue at isolated locations. The seven-day outlook predicts dry weather across the state until December 31, but residents should brace for persistently cold and foggy mornings.
In the Tricity region of Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, the forecast from December 26 to 30 predicts partly cloudy skies with dense fog. Maximum temperatures here are expected to range between 19 and 21 degrees Celsius, while minimums may hover around 6 to 7 degrees Celsius.
Officials have issued a crucial advisory for commuters. They urge people to remain cautious and plan their journeys accounting for reduced visibility during early morning and late-night hours. This warning is especially pertinent for parts of south Haryana, including Gurgaon, where dense fog is expected to continue.
