The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Ludhiana under a yellow alert, warning residents of impending cold day conditions and a spell of dense fog. The weather office issued the alert on Sunday, forecasting a significant drop in temperatures and reduced visibility for the early part of the week.
Detailed Forecast and Temperature Plunge
According to the IMD, Monday will see cold day conditions under partly cloudy skies. The situation is expected to intensify from Tuesday through Thursday, with dense fog predicted, particularly in the mornings. The fog is likely to clear by Thursday, leading to mainly sunny conditions.
The temperature data presents a clear picture of the incoming chill. On Sunday, the maximum daytime temperature in Ludhiana dropped to 18.3 degrees Celsius, which is a notable 2.7 degrees below the seasonal normal. The forecast suggests a slight rise to 20°C on Tuesday, but a sharp fall to 17°C is expected on Wednesday, followed by a minor rebound to 18°C on Thursday.
More strikingly, the nighttime temperatures are set for a steep decline. The IMD has forecast that the minimum temperature will plunge by six degrees by Thursday. On Sunday, the minimum was recorded at 8.6°C, which was 2.1 degrees above normal but still a degree cooler than Saturday.
Visibility Drops and Life Disrupted
The fog has already begun to impact daily life in the industrial city. On Sunday morning, a thick blanket of fog slashed visibility to just 500 meters at 8:30 AM. It improved marginally to 800 meters by 11:30 AM and remained at that level through the evening, causing potential disruptions to road and rail traffic.
The alert urges local departments, including transport and health, to prepare for the adverse conditions. Residents are already feeling the bite of the cold wave. Gurjinder Singh, a local resident, shared his experience, stating that while the sun made an appearance during the day, the mornings, evenings, and nights remained intensely cold. "We are relying on heaters at home and layering up with warm clothes to cope with this weather," he said.
Staying Safe During the Cold Spell
With the yellow alert in effect, authorities advise citizens to take necessary precautions. The key recommendations include:
- Avoiding early morning and late evening travel when fog is at its densest.
- Using appropriate fog lights and driving at reduced speeds on highways.
- Ensuring proper warmth for children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses.
- Staying updated with the latest forecasts from the IMD.
The coming days will test Ludhiana's preparedness as the city navigates through this period of reduced visibility and dipping mercury, marking a pronounced shift into the winter season.
