Cold wave conditions continued to grip the northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana on Thursday, with dense fog adding to the wintry discomfort in several areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for persistent fog and potential rainfall in the coming days, highlighting a stark contrast between chilly nights and unusually warm days.
Record Low Temperatures in Plains
The mercury plummeted to its lowest point in the plains of the country, with Hoshiarpur in Punjab and Sonipat in Haryana both recording a minimum temperature of 3.3°C. This marked the coldest reading across the region, underscoring the intensity of the cold wave. Minimum temperatures generally ranged between 3°C and 7°C, keeping residents bundled up against the chill.
Foggy Conditions Disrupt Visibility
Foggy conditions prevailed in isolated pockets, significantly reducing visibility and posing challenges for commuters. In Punjab, Patiala reported visibility as low as 20 metres, while Amritsar and Ludhiana saw 50 metres. Haryana faced similar issues, with Bhiwani and Karnal recording visibility of 20 metres. The IMD has forecast dense fog during morning and night hours in isolated areas over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh from January 24 to 26, advising caution for travelers.
Day Temperatures Soar Above Normal
In a surprising twist, day temperatures provided much-needed relief, soaring significantly above normal levels across both states. Chandigarh recorded the highest maximum temperature at 26.3°C, which was a remarkable 8°C above the seasonal average. Ambala followed closely with 25.6°C (7°C above normal), and Ludhiana reported 24°C (5.6°C above normal).
Other key stations also experienced positive departures from normal temperatures:
- Hisar: 23.9°C
- Patiala: 22.8°C
- Karnal: 22.8°C
- Amritsar: 21.3°C
This anomaly in day temperatures has been noted by meteorologists, who attribute it to specific weather patterns affecting the region.
IMD Forecast and Regional Impact
The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall for Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh on January 23, which could bring temporary changes to the current weather scenario. Additionally, cold day conditions are likely in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh on the same day. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins and take necessary precautions against the cold and fog.
As the cold wave persists, authorities are monitoring the situation closely, especially in rural areas where the impact on agriculture and daily life can be more pronounced. The contrast between the freezing nights and warm days adds a layer of complexity to the weather dynamics in this part of India.
