Large parts of North India woke up to severely disrupted visibility on Friday as dense to very dense fog engulfed several regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that these challenging conditions are likely to persist across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh until January 7.
Visibility Drops to Zero, Travel Disrupted
The fog was particularly intense in Punjab, where visibility dropped to zero in Amritsar, bringing traffic and daily life to a standstill. Other areas in the state also recorded alarmingly low visibility: just 10 metres in Halwara (Ludhiana) and 80 metres in Ballowal Saunkhri (Nawanshar). In neighbouring Haryana, Bhiwani reported visibility of 50 metres, while Karnal saw 100 metres. Himachal Pradesh was not spared either, with Sundernagar recording a visibility of 70 metres.
IMD Forecast: Fog and Cold Wave to Continue
The IMD's detailed forecast paints a clear picture of the ongoing weather pattern. Dense to very dense fog conditions are very likely to continue during night and morning hours at many places over the mentioned states and union territory until Sunday, January 7. Alongside the fog, cold wave conditions are also predicted. Isolated pockets in Himachal Pradesh can expect it on January 3 and 4. Haryana and Chandigarh will likely experience it from January 3 to 6, and Punjab from January 4 to 6.
A Slight Respite in Temperature Expected
Amid the fog and cold wave, there is a silver lining for residents. The IMD predicts a gradual fall in minimum temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over Northwest India during the next three days. This could provide some relief from the biting cold that has settled in the region.
The temperature variations across the states were notable on Friday. In Punjab, Ballowal Saunkhri recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 6.7°C, while Bathinda and Mansa were relatively warmer at 14.3°C and 13.5°C respectively. In Haryana, Narnaul shivered at 4.5°C, which was the lowest minimum temperature, contrasting with Hisar's 12.4°C.
Authorities advise citizens, especially travellers, to exercise extreme caution, check weather and transport updates regularly, and take necessary precautions against the cold until the fog lifts early next week.
