A brief appearance of the sun on Friday did little to ease the biting cold in Ludhiana, as a relentless cold wave continued to hold the industrial city in its grip. The meteorological department has responded by issuing a formal four-day "yellow alert", warning residents of worsening conditions ahead.
Temperature Plummets Below Seasonal Norms
Despite clear skies in the afternoon, the maximum temperature on Friday struggled to reach 14 degrees Celsius. This reading is approximately 3.1 degrees below the average expected for this time of year. The night brought little relief, with the minimum temperature recorded at 6.2 degrees Celsius. While slightly above average, it was insufficient to break the deep freeze. Forecasters predict a gradual rise, with the mercury possibly climbing to 18°C by Monday. However, a colder night is expected on Sunday, with temperatures potentially dropping to as low as 5 degrees Celsius.
Visibility Drops, Travel Disruptions Feared
The cold has been accompanied by persistently poor visibility due to dense fog. On Friday, visibility was restricted to just 500 metres from morning until sunset. The weather office has forecast that the fog will become even thicker over the next 72 hours. The issued yellow alert is an official directive for all local government departments to stay vigilant and prepared for the ongoing inclement weather, which is likely to complicate road travel and outdoor activities.
Residents Seek Fleeting Warmth
The impact of the harsh weather is deeply felt by Ludhiana's citizens. "The sun came out, but it didn't seem to make much impact," shared local resident Gurdeep Singh. "The mornings and evenings are especially cold; you just don't feel like going out." Mirroring a common winter scene across Punjab, people hurried to rooftops and public parks during the short period of sunshine on Friday afternoon. They seized the opportunity to soak in whatever warmth they could before the evening fog and chill descended once again.
