Ludhiana Enters Peak Winter Phase with Dense Fog and Plummeting Temperatures
If you believed Sunday was exceptionally cold in Ludhiana, brace yourself for even chillier conditions ahead. The city has officially transitioned into its most intense "sweater weather" period of the season, with daytime temperatures reaching unprecedented lows and a thick cloud cover acting like a massive, damp blanket over the urban landscape.
Sharp Temperature Dip Triggers Meteorological Warning
Residents awoke to a piercing chill on Sunday as daytime temperatures experienced a significant decline. This prompted the meteorological department to issue a formal three-day "yellow alert" for dense fog across the entire district. From the early morning hours, heavy cloud cover dominated the skyline, allowing only occasional, fleeting glimpses of sunlight and drastically reducing afternoon warmth.
While the daytime felt substantially colder, the nighttime temperature provided a minor respite from typical winter lows, resulting in a narrower than usual gap between the day's maximum and minimum readings. The minimum (night) temperature was recorded at 7.6°C, which is approximately 1.5°C above the seasonal normal and marks a 2.2°C increase from Saturday's reading. Conversely, the maximum (day) temperature witnessed a noticeable drop compared to previous days, primarily due to persistent cloud cover and a steady cold breeze.
Visibility Challenges and Official Fog Advisory
Shallow fog disrupted early morning commuters, with visibility plummeting to 500 meters at 8:30 AM. By midday, conditions transitioned to a haze, improving visibility to approximately 2,000 meters. The "yellow alert" issued by the weather bureau serves as an official notification for local departments to remain updated and prepared for adverse weather conditions. Dense fog is anticipated to envelop the region consistently over the next 72 hours.
Residents Adapt to Sudden Weather Shift
The abrupt change in weather conditions surprised many locals following a series of relatively pleasant afternoons. Ravjot Singh, a local businessman, observed that the mild breeze compelled a return to heavier winter attire. "The weather was quite pleasant over the last few days, but Sunday felt distinctly different," Ravjot Singh remarked. "I had to switch from a light sweatshirt back to a proper sweater and spent most of the day indoors to maintain warmth."
This meteorological shift underscores the unpredictable nature of North Indian winters, where rapid transitions from mild to severe cold can occur. Authorities advise residents to:
- Stay informed about weather updates and alerts
- Exercise caution while driving during low visibility periods
- Layer clothing appropriately to combat the cold
- Limit outdoor exposure during peak fog hours
As Ludhiana navigates this intense cold spell, the combination of dense fog, reduced sunlight, and lower daytime temperatures creates a challenging environment for daily activities. The meteorological department continues to monitor the situation closely, with further updates expected as the three-day alert period progresses.
