Ludhiana shivered through its coldest Lohri celebration in 56 years on January 13. Temperatures plunged to levels not seen on this date since 1970. The icy weather gave the traditional festival an uncharacteristic chill.
Record-Breaking Cold Grips the City
As bonfires lit up across the city, people huddled around them with chattering teeth and trembling hands. The warm glow of the fire served not just as an auspicious festival tradition but as a dire necessity against the biting cold.
Meteorological data from Punjab Agricultural University reveals startling numbers. The maximum temperature on Lohri day reached only 9.2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature dropped to a frigid 2.6 degrees Celsius.
This marked the lowest temperature ever recorded on January 13 in more than five decades. It officially became the coldest Lohri the region has ever experienced.
Historical Context and Expert Analysis
Previously, the coldest Lohri since 1970 occurred in 2003 and again in 2020. During those years, the mercury dipped to 13.6 degrees Celsius. This year's readings were a full 4.4 degrees colder than that previous benchmark.
Dr. Pavneet Kaur Kingra confirmed the severity of the cold wave. As head of the department of climate change and agricultural meteorology at PAU, she stated clearly: "This was the lowest temperature recorded on January 13 since 1970."
She elaborated further: "Since 1970, the temperature on January 13 had never gone below 13.6 degrees Celsius, which was recorded in 2003 and again in 2020."
The expert warned residents to brace themselves for continuing cold conditions. Dense fog and possible ground frost are likely over the next few days.
Persistent Chill Despite Sunshine
Sunshine did break through the fog and mist later in the day. Yet the chill refused to loosen its grip on the city. Cold winds and low daytime temperatures ensured the day remained bitterly cold.
Residents found little respite from the freezing conditions. The meteorological department figures show this sharp temperature dip developed gradually over the past week.
The Gradual Temperature Decline
On January 8, the maximum temperature stood at 16.2 degrees Celsius. The minimum was 8 degrees Celsius at that time. Temperatures declined steadily in the following days.
By January 12, the night temperature had fallen to 4.2 degrees Celsius. The day temperature dropped to 11.9 degrees Celsius. This set the stage for the record-breaking chill that arrived on Lohri.
Residents Feel the Bite
People across Ludhiana felt the impact of this intense cold wave. Gagandeep Singh, a local resident, shared his experience: "It is pretty cold. While I was flying kites in the morning, I felt the chill."
Many found that standing near traditional Lohri bonfires provided much-needed relief. Ramandeep Singh explained his adaptation: "Generally we start the bonfire a bit late in the evening, but I lit it earlier than usual and sat around longer to feel the warmth in this icy cold weather."
Another resident named Preeti added her perspective: "It is definitely very cold. Lohri is traditionally believed to be the end of the cold. I hope there is some respite from this bone-chilling weather soon."
Concerns About Prolonged Cold
The extreme chill has made this Lohri memorable for its freezing temperatures. It has also raised concerns about prolonged cold wave conditions in the coming days. Residents continue to bundle up as they await warmer weather.
