Ludhiana Records Coldest Day in Two Years, Mercury Plummets to 10.8°C
Residents of Ludhiana faced bone-chilling conditions on Wednesday as the city recorded its lowest daytime temperature in two years. The maximum temperature dropped to just 10.8 degrees Celsius, sending shivers across the urban landscape.
A Staggering Drop Below Seasonal Norms
This figure represents a dramatic departure from the seasonal average. It sits a full 6.9 degrees Celsius below what is normally expected for this time of year. The last time Ludhiana experienced such intense cold was in January 2024, when temperatures fell to 9 degrees Celsius.
Despite a brief appearance of afternoon sunshine, the city remained locked in a deep freeze. Icy breezes and persistent dense fog prevented any real warmth from taking hold. The severe conditions prompted immediate action from weather authorities.
Meteorological Department Issues Orange Alert
The India Meteorological Department responded by issuing an Orange Alert for Thursday. This alert status signals a "Be Prepared" situation for both local authorities and the public.
The forecast for Thursday predicts a severe cold wave accompanied by "very dense" fog in several areas. Authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions.
Fog Creates Hazardous Commuting Conditions
Dense fog severely disrupted early morning travel on Wednesday. Visibility plummeted to a mere 200 meters at 8:30 AM, making driving extremely dangerous.
While conditions improved slightly by midday, with visibility extending to about 500 meters, patches of fog lingered throughout the afternoon and evening. This created ongoing hazards for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Comparative Chill Across the Region
Interestingly, Ludhiana was marginally warmer than several neighboring cities in the Punjab-Haryana region on Wednesday. The night temperature in Ludhiana settled at 5.4 degrees Celsius.
This reading was roughly in line with seasonal norms for nighttime. However, it felt significantly colder compared to the preceding 24-hour period, adding to the public's discomfort.
Long-Term Weather Outlook
The meteorological department has also issued a Yellow Alert for the following three days. This alert status advises people to "Be Updated" on changing conditions.
Forecasters expect a gradual recovery in temperatures. Projections suggest daytime readings could climb to around 21 degrees Celsius by Sunday. Night temperatures may reach a more comfortable 10 degrees Celsius by Monday.
Daily Life Grinds to a Halt
The sudden and drastic temperature drop has disrupted normal life across Ludhiana. Many parents made the decision to keep their children home from school, despite recent reopenings after breaks.
"It felt like an icy cold breeze was blowing through the city all morning," said Gautam Kumar, a resident of Model Town. "Even when the sun came out in the afternoon, it didn't seem to make any dent in the chill. The cold just seeped into everything."
Residents bundled up in extra layers, and markets saw a rush for winter essentials. The unusual cold snap has everyone looking forward to the predicted warming trend over the coming days.
