As winter tightens its grip on North India, Ludhiana has shivered through its coldest November nights in over a decade. Fresh data from the meteorological department reveals that the city's average minimum temperature for November 2025 hit an 11-year low, signaling the onset of a potentially severe cold season.
Chilling Numbers: A Decade-Low Record
The monthly weather report presents a stark picture. Ludhiana's average monthly minimum temperature for November 2025 stood at 10.3 degrees Celsius. This figure is not only lower than the average for the month since 2014 but also marks the coldest average for November since 2014, when it was 10 degrees Celsius. The contrast with recent years is sharp; just last year, in 2024, the city experienced its highest average minimum temperature since 2011 at a much warmer 13.7 degrees Celsius.
The record for the single coldest night this November was equally striking. The mercury dipped to 6.4 degrees Celsius, equalling the record low set in November 2020. This is now the second-lowest minimum temperature recorded in the city in over a decade, sitting just above the 2014 record of 5.1 degrees Celsius.
Residents Feel the Bite, Rainfall Stays Scarce
The data corroborates what Ludhiana's residents have been feeling. "Nights have turned colder, particularly in the second fortnight of November," noted local resident Jatinder Singh. "We expect winter to get harsher and are preparing for it." This public sentiment aligns with the official observations of a pronounced chill in the air during the latter half of the month.
While the nights turned colder, the days were slightly cooler as well. The average monthly maximum (day) temperature was 27 degrees Celsius, a marginal drop from last year's 27.3 degrees Celsius. Among Punjab's major cities, Ludhiana ranked second in both temperature metrics for November 2025. Amritsar recorded the lowest average minimum at 10 degrees Celsius, while Patiala topped the list for the highest average maximum at 27.6 degrees Celsius.
The dry spell continued unabated. Ludhiana received a meager 0.6 mm of rain in November, indicating a massive 89% deficit from the norm. However, this was still slightly higher than the completely dry November of 2024. The city also experienced moderate fog on three days, with visibility reduced to between 200 and 500 meters.
Expert Analysis Points to a Cold Winter Ahead
Meteorological experts have pinpointed the reasons behind this significant temperature drop. Surinderpal, Director of the Met Department in Chandigarh, explained, "The factors responsible for the weather include dry air, less fog, and wind blowing from the northwestern part of the country." He issued a clear warning based on these patterns, stating that winter could be harsh this year.
The combination of record-low night temperatures, a substantial rainfall deficit, and specific wind patterns has set the stage for a colder-than-usual season. With the data from November acting as a strong indicator, authorities and residents in Ludhiana and across Punjab are bracing themselves for the challenging winter months ahead.
