An intense cold wave has tightened its grip over the northern plains of India, with Punjab and Haryana recording bone-chilling temperatures early this week. The mercury plunged to a severe low, causing significant disruption and hardship for residents.
Record Low Temperatures Grip the Region
According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bathinda in Punjab recorded a minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius on Monday morning. This reading stands as one of the coldest in the region for this season. Not far behind, Hisar in Haryana braved a low of 2.2 degrees Celsius. Several other key cities also experienced severe cold conditions.
The IMD reported that Amritsar's temperature settled at 3.4 degrees Celsius, while Ludhiana saw a low of 4.2 degrees Celsius. In Haryana, Karnal registered 3.8 degrees Celsius, and Ambala recorded 4.5 degrees Celsius. The capital city of Chandigarh, shared by both states, was also caught in the freeze with a minimum temperature of 6.1 degrees Celsius.
Dense Fog and Disrupted Life
The cold spell has been accompanied by dense fog, severely reducing visibility across the region. This combination has led to major disruptions in daily life and transportation networks. Road, rail, and air traffic have all been impacted, with delays and cancellations being reported.
Local authorities have issued advisories urging people, especially the elderly and children, to take necessary precautions against the cold. The harsh weather conditions are particularly challenging for homeless populations and those working outdoors early in the morning.
No Immediate Relief in Sight
Weather scientists have attributed this intense cold to a combination of factors, including clear skies, calm winds, and an influx of cold, dry north-westerly winds. The IMD's forecast suggests that similar cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely to persist over many parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh for the next few days.
No significant change in minimum temperatures is expected over the region during the next 24 hours. However, a slight rise of about 2 degrees Celsius is possible thereafter. The persistent fog and cold conditions are expected to continue, affecting the morning hours significantly.
Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins, limit non-essential travel during early morning and late night hours, and ensure adequate protection against the cold. The administration in various districts is also on alert, making arrangements for shelter and warmth for vulnerable communities as the region endures this harsh winter spell.
