The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning for residents of Punjab and Haryana, forecasting a prolonged spell of severe winter conditions. The region is set to experience continued cold wave and dense to very dense fog over the next several days, particularly during night and early morning hours, keeping large parts under a harsh winter grip.
District-Wise Forecast for Intense Cold
According to the detailed IMD forecast released on Thursday, January 9, 2026, specific districts in both states are bracing for intense conditions. In Punjab, isolated cold wave conditions are likely over southern and southwestern areas, including Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, and Mansa. Meanwhile, cold day conditions are expected to prevail in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Kapurthala, and Patiala.
The situation is equally severe in Haryana. Isolated cold wave conditions are anticipated in Mahendragarh, Rewari, Jhajjar, Gurugram, Mewat, Palwal, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, and Charkhi Dadri. Districts like Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, and Jind are likely to face cold day conditions.
Widespread Fog and Disruptions Expected
The IMD has specifically cautioned about visibility issues due to dense fog. In Punjab, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, and Fatehgarh Sahib may be affected by dense to very dense fog. Isolated dense fog is also predicted for Chandigarh, Panchkula, and several Haryana districts.
This persistent fog is expected to significantly impact road, rail, and air traffic, leading to potential delays and increased accident risks. The Tricity area (Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula) will continue to see dense morning fog, with temperatures ranging between 6–7°C at night and 13–14°C during the day.
Recent Conditions and Health Advisory
Over the past 24 hours, the weather remained dry but bitterly cold. Haryana saw no significant change in maximum temperatures, which stayed appreciably below normal. Bhiwani recorded the highest maximum at 15.5°C, while Narnaul was the coldest at 4.0°C. Districts like Ambala, Hisar, Karnal, and Mahendragarh endured biting cold throughout the day.
In Punjab, maximum temperatures, though marginally higher, remained markedly below normal by over 5°C. Thein Dam (Pathankot) recorded 16.3°C, while Bathinda registered a minimum of 5°C. Dense fog was reported at many places, disrupting morning visibility.
The IMD warns that the persistent cold and fog can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Respiratory ailments
- Hypothermia
- Eye irritation
Residents are strongly advised to limit outdoor exposure during early mornings and nights, wear adequate warm clothing, ensure proper ventilation when using heaters, and exercise extreme caution while driving in fog.
Sub-Zero Temperatures in Himachal Pradesh
Adding to the regional chill, freezing conditions continued in Himachal Pradesh. On Wednesday, 13 out of 34 weather stations reported sub-zero temperatures. Kukumseri was the coldest at a chilling minus 11.2°C, followed by Tabo at minus 8.9°C and Kalpa at minus 3.6°C. Other notable lows included Solan (-1.8°C), Narkanda (-1.6°C), and Manali (-1.4°C).
