Chandigarh woke up to a sharp winter surprise on Wednesday. The city recorded its first severe cold day of the season. In an ironic twist, the plains felt colder than the hills.
Temperature Plunge and Foggy Conditions
The maximum temperature dropped to 8.9°C. This marked a nearly 7-degree fall in just one day. City Beautiful became chillier than several hill stations.
Comparing Temperatures Across Regions
Chandigarh's 8.9°C contrasted sharply with warmer hill areas:
- Shimla basked at 17°C
- Kufri recorded 12.5°C
- Manali reached 14.8°C
- Srinagar measured 11.3°C
Even Kalpa in Himachal Pradesh reported 13.7°C. The plains clearly outchilled the mountains.
Defining a Severe Cold Day
Meteorologists classify a severe cold day when the maximum temperature dips 6.5°C or more below normal. Chandigarh met this criterion perfectly.
Surender Paul, director of the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, explained the phenomenon. He said snowfall in Himachal's higher reaches pushed cold winds down to the plains. Slow wind speeds then trapped the chill in the region.
Impact on Daily Life
Dense fog hung over the city like a stubborn curtain throughout the day. Morning visibility reduced to just 80 meters. This forced many residents to stay indoors.
Those who ventured outside faced biting cold. The chill seeped into bones, making even short walks feel like Arctic treks.
Minimum Temperature and Historical Context
The minimum temperature offered little relief. It rose slightly from Tuesday's 2.8°C to 3.8°C. This still remained three degrees below normal.
Looking at recent January records:
- 2026: 8.9°C on January 14 (current)
- 2025: 11.3°C on January 2
- 2024: 8.4°C on January 25
This year's temperature nearly matches the lowest maximum from 2024.
Weather Forecast
The icy conditions are expected to persist for another two to three days. After that, fog should clear. Temperatures may dip further once the fog lifts.
Residents should prepare for continued cold weather. The unusual pattern of plains being colder than hills highlights this winter's severity.
