A severe cold wave has intensified across the Tricity region of Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and disrupting daily life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recorded significantly low minimum temperatures and forecasts a further dip in the mercury over the coming days.
Mercury Plummets Across the Region
According to the latest data from the IMD, Chandigarh's minimum temperature settled at a chilly 6.4 degrees Celsius on Wednesday morning. The neighboring cities fared even worse. Mohali recorded a low of 5.8 degrees Celsius, while Panchkula shivered at 5.2 degrees Celsius. These readings are several degrees below the normal average for this time of year, marking the onset of a pronounced cold spell.
The IMD has attributed this intense cold wave to a combination of factors, including clear skies and calm winds during the night, which facilitate maximum radiation cooling. The weather office has issued a forecast indicating that the cold conditions are likely to persist and may even intensify.
Dense Fog and Disrupted Life
Accompanying the cold wave is a blanket of dense fog that has enveloped the region, particularly in the early morning hours. This has led to significant visibility issues, affecting road, rail, and air travel. Commuters have faced considerable delays, and authorities have advised people to exercise extreme caution while driving.
The local administration has been prompted to take measures in response to the harsh weather. While no official closure of schools has been announced yet for Thursday, the situation is being closely monitored. Parents and residents are eagerly awaiting any updates from the district administrations regarding potential changes to school timings or holidays to protect children from the biting cold.
Forecast and Public Advisory
The IMD's forecast is not encouraging for those hoping for a quick respite. The weather department has predicted that minimum temperatures are likely to fall further by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over many parts of Northwest India, including the Tricity, during the next 2-3 days. Cold day to severe cold day conditions are expected to continue.
In light of these conditions, health experts and officials have issued advisories for the public:
- Residents, especially the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are urged to stay indoors during the early morning and late evening hours.
- Wearing multiple layers of warm clothing is essential when venturing outside.
- Drinking warm fluids and eating a nutritious diet can help the body cope with the extreme cold.
- Drivers must use fog lights and drive at reduced speeds to avoid accidents in low-visibility conditions.
The intense cold wave has brought normal life to a near-standstill during the mornings, with markets opening late and fewer people seen outdoors. The region is bracing itself for what appears to be the coldest phase of the winter season so far, with all signs pointing to a continued grip of the freezing temperatures.
