Residents of Ludhiana planning to celebrate the arrival of 2026 outdoors should prepare for a damp and foggy transition. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a spell of wet weather, potentially putting a damper on New Year's Eve festivities across the industrial city.
Yellow Alert and Rainfall Predictions
The meteorological office has issued a yellow alert for Ludhiana district, valid for the next four days. Weather experts anticipate a combination of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. Surinderpal, director of the Chandigarh weather office, confirmed that the city is likely to receive between 10mm and 15mm of rainfall, beginning from Wednesday night and continuing into Thursday.
This incoming weather system is also expected to influence temperature patterns. While daytime temperatures may see variations, night temperatures are predicted to rise slightly over the next 48 hours. However, a sharp drop in the mercury is forecast to follow over the upcoming weekend.
Visibility Crisis and Travel Hazards
The city already experienced severe visibility issues on Tuesday morning, with a dense 'white-out' fog reducing visibility to a mere 10 meters at 8:30 am. Although it improved to around 1,000 meters later in the day, the Met department has warned that the hazard is far from over.
The combination of atmospheric moisture and falling temperatures is likely to sustain bone-chilling dense fog as a primary travel hazard through the weekend. Commuters and those planning road trips for the holidays are advised to exercise extreme caution.
Residents Grapple with a 'Sunless' Winter
The cold wave has been intensified by a persistent lack of meaningful sunshine. On Tuesday, despite intermittent sunny spells, the maximum temperature struggled to reach 16°C, which is nearly 3 degrees below the normal seasonal average for this time of year.
Locals express frustration with the unrelenting chill. Narinder Singh, a Ludhiana resident, remarked on the unusual nature of this winter, stating that the sun seems to have lost its warming power. "Even when it's visible, it doesn't cut through the cold. We are relying on extra layers and hot beverages just to get through the day," he said, highlighting the adaptive measures people are taking.
With the yellow alert in place, the forecast for Ludhiana points to a New Year's Eve marked more by umbrellas and winter coats than clear, celebratory skies. Authorities urge citizens to stay updated on weather advisories and plan their travel and outdoor activities accordingly.
