Chandigarh experienced one of the most intense fog episodes of this winter season on Saturday, throwing normal life out of gear during the morning hours. The Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh confirmed that visibility levels dropped dramatically to a mere 20 metres in the early part of the day, classifying the conditions as 'very dense fog'.
Severe Disruption to Road and Air Traffic
The blanket of thick fog severely hampered movement across the city. Both the city areas and the Chandigarh International Airport reported very dense fog, leading to significant disruptions for morning commuters and likely affecting flight schedules. Officials clarified that visibility dropping below 50 metres is categorized as very dense fog, a condition known to critically disrupt both road and air traffic.
Temperature Dip and High Humidity Worsen Conditions
The foggy spell was accompanied by a noticeable drop in night temperature. The minimum temperature recorded was 6.9°C, which is 1.9 degrees below the normal average for this time. The day's maximum temperature reached 20.1°C, slightly below normal. A key contributor to the persistent fog was the high humidity, which fluctuated between 92% and 56% through the day. No rainfall was reported in the preceding 24 hours.
IMD's Forecast: More Foggy Days Ahead
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast that indicates no immediate relief. The weather agency predicts dense fog conditions and partly cloudy skies for the next five days. During this period, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 18°C and 20°C, while minimum temperatures will likely hover around 7°C to 8°C. The weather is expected to remain dry.
In light of these challenging conditions, local authorities have issued advisories urging commuters to exercise extreme caution. The intensity of fog is at its peak during the early morning and late-night hours. Travelers are advised to use fog lights, drive at reduced speeds, and stay updated on traffic and flight information before venturing out.
