Residents of Panchkula woke up to severely disrupted conditions on Tuesday as an exceptionally dense fog blanket descended upon the city, drastically reducing visibility to a mere 40 metres. The meteorological centre in Chandigarh has issued an advisory, warning that similar dense fog conditions are likely to persist at isolated places across the Tricity for the next five days.
Current Weather Conditions and Forecast
The thick fog on Tuesday created significant challenges for commuters and disrupted daily routines. According to the official weather report, while the maximum temperature saw a slight improvement, recording at 18.4 degrees Celsius, it still remains one degree below the seasonal normal. The night brought a minimum temperature of 8.2 degrees Celsius, which is one degree above normal for this time of year.
Looking ahead, the forecast indicates no major shift in the temperature pattern over the coming days. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 19 and 20 degrees Celsius, while night temperatures will likely range from 6 to 8 degrees Celsius. However, a notable change is predicted for Thursday, with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning in the region.
Advisories and Precautions for Residents
With dense fog expected to linger for nearly a week, authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution, especially during early morning and late evening hours. The low visibility poses a serious risk to road, rail, and air travel. Commuters are advised to:
- Use fog lights while driving and maintain low speed.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles on the road.
- Check for flight and train schedule updates before traveling.
- Wear warm clothing as temperatures, particularly at night, remain cool.
Regional Impact and Meteorological Outlook
The weather phenomenon is not isolated to Panchkula alone but is anticipated to affect isolated parts of the larger Tricity area, which includes Chandigarh and Mohali. The persistent fog is a typical winter occurrence in the northern plains, often caused by moisture availability and low wind speeds. The forecast of thunderstorms on Thursday suggests a temporary atmospheric disturbance that might briefly alter the foggy conditions, but the overall pattern of cold days and dense fog is set to continue for the rest of the forecast period. Residents should stay updated with the latest bulletins from the Chandigarh meteorological centre for any changes in the alert.
