Cold Wave and Dense Fog Disrupt Life in Punjab and Haryana
Cold wave conditions continued to grip Punjab and Haryana on Monday, bringing dense fog to many areas. Amritsar recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the plains at 2.9°C. Most parts of both states experienced minimum temperatures between 5°C and 10°C.
Visibility Issues and Weather Patterns
Dense fog covered some parts of Punjab and isolated pockets of Haryana. In Amritsar, zero visibility was reported during the morning hours, making travel difficult. Cold wave conditions also affected some parts of Himachal Pradesh and isolated areas over Punjab.
IMD Forecast for the Coming Days
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a detailed forecast. Dense fog conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Punjab until January 20, with fog expected on January 21. Similar dense fog conditions are predicted for Haryana and Chandigarh until January 21. Cold wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh on January 20 and 21.
Upcoming Rainfall and Storm Activity
From January 22 to 25, scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall is likely over Punjab. Isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall is expected over Haryana and Chandigarh. Gusty winds with speeds of 30 to 40 kmph will affect Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on January 22 and 23. Lightning is forecast over Himachal Pradesh on the same days.
Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and snowfall is likely from January 22 to 24. Thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning is expected on January 22 and 23. Isolated heavy rainfall and snowfall may occur over the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh on January 23.
Temperature Trends and Records
In Punjab, the average minimum temperature rose by 0.7°C compared to Sunday, reaching near normal levels by Monday morning. Amritsar recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature at 2.9°C.
In Haryana, the average minimum temperature increased by 1.7°C from Sunday, also reaching near normal levels. Bhiwani recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 3°C.
