Ludhiana Weather Alert: IMD Issues Yellow Warning for Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds
The city of Ludhiana witnessed a dramatic shift in weather conditions on Saturday, as a sudden chill descended upon the region, catching residents by surprise. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has responded by issuing a ‘yellow alert’ for the area, warning of anticipated thunderstorms and gusty winds expected to hit on Sunday.
Sharp Temperature Drop and Reduced Visibility
This abrupt change follows a period of near-normal temperatures, misleading many into believing that winter had already retreated. The morning brought a dense mist that significantly reduced visibility to just 2,000 meters, creating challenging conditions for commuters and early risers.
Saturday's temperatures underscored the severity of the shift. The minimum or night temperature was recorded at 5.4°C, marking a sharp decline of 4.8°C compared to the previous day. This reading also fell 0.7°C below the seasonal average, highlighting the unexpected nature of the cold snap.
Throughout the afternoon, clouds and sun engaged in a game of “hide and seek,” but the maximum or day temperature remained notably lower than Friday's levels. Harjinder Singh, a local resident, shared his experience, stating, “It felt like winter was over, but the morning walk today required full woollens again. There is a definite bite in the air that wasn't there 24 hours ago.”
IMD's Yellow Alert and Sunday Forecast
The IMD has placed Ludhiana under a ‘yellow alert’ for Sunday, January 31, advising residents and local departments to stay vigilant and updated on potentially inclement weather conditions. The forecast for Sunday includes:
- Thunderstorms and lightning, with a high probability of activity throughout the district.
- Gusty winds predicted to reach speeds of 30-40 kmph.
- Scattered showers expected at various locations across the city.
This alert serves as a precautionary measure, urging the community to prepare for possible disruptions and ensure safety during the adverse weather.
Weather Outlook for the Coming Week
While Sunday may bring a temporary rise in temperatures, with the maximum expected to reach 21°C and the minimum to 10°C by Monday, this atmospheric instability is projected to be short-lived. The week ahead unfolds as follows:
- Monday: The sky will be partly cloudy, initiating a warming trend as conditions begin to stabilize.
- Tuesday to Friday: The weather is expected to clear significantly, with mainly clear skies and stabilized day temperatures around 20°C.
No further alerts have been issued for the coming work week, with meteorologists predicting a return to clear skies and steady conditions starting Tuesday. This respite offers relief to residents after the weekend's turbulent weather, allowing for a gradual transition back to more predictable patterns.
