The brief spell of sunshine witnessed in Ludhiana on Saturday has turned out to be a deceptive calm before a severe weather onslaught. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning, predicting a week dominated by "very dense" fog and a significant, shivering decline in temperatures. Authorities have raised an "orange alert" for the city, cautioning that visibility could plummet to hazardous levels.
IMD Forecast: A Week of Fog and Falling Mercury
Despite the intermittent sunshine on Saturday, Ludhiana continued to reel under unseasonably cold conditions. The maximum temperature for the day was recorded at 16.1°C, which is notably below the seasonal average. The night temperature settled at 9.6°C. The visibility presented a stark picture of the impending situation, varying from a peak of 2,000 meters around midday to a concerning 500 meters by early evening.
The IMD has indicated that the most intense phase of this cold and foggy spell is likely to unfold over the next 72 hours. An orange alert remains in effect from Sunday through Tuesday, urging local departments to prepare for widespread very dense fog. This will be followed by a yellow alert on Wednesday, when conditions are expected to transition to dense fog in isolated pockets.
Weekly Temperature Forecast: A Gradual Deep Freeze
Meteorologists forecast a sharp downward trend in temperatures as the week advances. While daytime highs are predicted to linger between 14°C and 15°C, the night-time lows are set for a steep fall. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 14°C on Sunday, rising slightly to 15°C by Tuesday. The real chill, however, will be felt after dark.
The minimum temperature is forecast to be 9°C on Sunday, dipping to 8°C on Monday. A more pronounced and gradual decline is expected thereafter, potentially bottoming out at a frigid 5°C by next Friday.
Residents Adapt to the Persistent Chill
The relentless cold has compelled Ludhiana's residents to significantly alter their daily routines. Gautam, a local, shared that even on days when the sun makes an appearance, piercing "cold breezes" make staying outdoors unpleasant. "We have been wearing multiple layers of warm clothes and are avoiding going outdoors to prevent health issues," he stated, echoing the sentiment of many.
Health officials are reiterating standard advisories, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children. They recommend limiting exposure during the early morning and late evening hours when the combination of dense fog and intense cold poses the greatest risk. The community is now bracing itself, layering up, and staying informed as Ludhiana prepares for a challenging week of weather.
