Cold Wave Intensifies Across North India with Record Low Temperatures
The cold wave continues to tighten its grip over Punjab and Haryana. Ballowal Saunkhri in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district of Punjab recorded a minimum temperature of 0.9°C. This makes it the coldest location in the plains of the country right now.
Haryana Experiences Chilling Temperatures
Bhiwani emerged as the coldest spot in Haryana with a minimum temperature of 1.5°C. Other districts in the state also felt the severe chill.
- Narnaul and Sirsa recorded 2°C
- Hisar registered 2.2°C
- Mahendragarh saw 2.7°C
Hisar experienced a significant departure from normal temperatures. The minimum temperature there was 4.4°C below the usual average for this time of year. Chandigarh recorded 5.3°C, which is 2.1°C below normal.
Widespread Fog Conditions Reduce Visibility Drastically
Dense to very dense fog blanketed many parts of Punjab and Haryana. Isolated pockets of Chandigarh also reported dense fog conditions. This led to severely reduced visibility across the region.
In Punjab:
- Amritsar reported zero visibility
- Ludhiana, Faridkot, and Ballowal Saunkhri had visibility reduced to just 20 metres
- Bathinda recorded 30 metres visibility
- Patiala saw 40 metres visibility
In Haryana and Chandigarh:
- Ambala and Bhiwani experienced zero visibility
- Hisar had 20 metres visibility
- Karnal recorded 40 metres visibility
- Chandigarh reported 80 metres visibility
IMD Issues Forecast for Coming Days
The India Meteorological Department predicts continued challenging weather conditions. Dense to very dense fog is very likely to prevail during morning and night hours in some parts over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh until January 17. Isolated pockets may experience dense fog until January 22.
Cold wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on January 17. The weather department also forecasts precipitation in the coming days.
- Light to moderate isolated to scattered rainfall or snowfall is likely over Himachal Pradesh until January 22
- Isolated rainfall is expected over Punjab on January 18, 19, and 22
- Isolated rainfall may occur over Haryana and Chandigarh on January 19 and 22
Temperature Trends Show Diverging Patterns
Temperature data reveals interesting patterns between the two states. In Punjab, the average minimum temperature fell by 0.3°C from Thursday to Friday morning. The state's temperatures are currently near normal levels. Ballowal recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Punjab at 0.9°C.
Haryana shows a different trend. The state recorded a rise of 1.2°C in average minimum temperature from Thursday to Friday morning. Despite this increase, temperatures remain below normal by 2.1°C. Bhiwani registered the lowest minimum temperature in Haryana at 1.5°C.
Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions prevailed in many parts of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Cold day conditions were reported in isolated pockets of Haryana. Residents across the region continue to battle the harsh winter conditions as the cold wave persists.
