Residents of Gurgaon faced another morning of dense fog on Saturday, with visibility dropping sharply to around 800 meters. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has escalated warnings, issuing an orange alert for Sunday, forecasting cold wave conditions in isolated parts of Haryana.
IMD Forecast: Fog and Cold Wave to Prevail
The meteorological office has predicted that dense to very dense fog will continue to shroud the region during night and early morning hours over the next 48 hours. This persistent fog is expected to significantly impact visibility and disrupt movement across the state. A yellow alert has been issued for Monday, indicating that the cold conditions will persist, albeit with slightly lower intensity.
On Saturday, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 8.4 degrees Celsius, identical to Friday's low. However, clear skies and sunshine during the daytime provided some respite, pushing the maximum temperature to 21 degrees Celsius, a marginal increase from 20.8 degrees Celsius the previous day.
Meteorological Factors Behind the Dense Fog
Weather experts have explained the prolonged foggy spell. An IMD official stated that cold wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of Haryana between December 28 and 30. The primary culprits are weak surface winds and high moisture levels in the atmosphere. This combination creates poor dispersal conditions, allowing fog to form and linger through the night and into the early morning, drastically reducing visibility.
Hope for Relief After December 30
There is some positive news on the horizon for residents tired of the chill. Meteorologists anticipate a change in weather pattern after December 30. A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region. This system is expected to influence the weather in the plains, leading to a rise in minimum temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, offering much-needed relief from the intense cold wave.
The authorities advise citizens, especially commuters and early morning travelers, to exercise caution due to low visibility. People are also urged to take necessary precautions against the cold, particularly the elderly and children, as the severe conditions are set to continue for the next few days.
