A severe cold wave has tightened its grip on the northern states of Punjab and Haryana, bringing life to a standstill in many areas. Dense fog blankets the region, severely reducing visibility and disrupting road, rail, and air travel. Residents are battling plummeting temperatures, with several stations recording minimums significantly below normal.
Plummeting Temperatures and Widespread Fog
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that cold day to severe cold day conditions prevailed over many parts of Punjab and Haryana on Monday, January 22. The mercury took a sharp dive, with Amritsar in Punjab recording a minimum temperature of 3.4 degrees Celsius. In Haryana, Ambala shivered at 4.2 degrees Celsius, while Hisar was slightly warmer at 6.4 degrees Celsius. These readings are notably below the average for this time of year.
The fog has been equally relentless. Visibility dropped to a mere 50 meters in Amritsar and Patiala during the morning hours, creating hazardous conditions for commuters. Other affected areas included Ludhiana, where visibility was reduced to 200 meters. The IMD has attributed this intense cold and fog to a combination of light winds and high moisture levels in the lower atmosphere over the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Travel Chaos and Daily Disruptions
The adverse weather has thrown travel schedules into complete disarray. Several trains arriving at and departing from key stations like Amritsar and Ludhiana are running late by multiple hours due to the fog blanket. Road transport has also been hit hard, with authorities advising drivers to use fog lights and drive at low speeds. The reduced visibility has increased the risk of accidents on highways and city roads alike.
Daily life for residents has become a challenge. Early morning activities, including travel to work and school, have been severely impacted. The intense cold is particularly difficult for vulnerable populations, including the homeless and outdoor workers. Local markets are seeing a surge in demand for winter clothing and heating appliances.
Weather Outlook and Official Advisories
The IMD forecast suggests little immediate respite. Dense to very dense fog is likely to continue in isolated pockets over Punjab and Haryana for the next 2-3 days. Cold day conditions are also expected to persist. The meteorological office has issued advisories, urging people to limit exposure to the cold, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely. The persistent fog and cold wave are a recurring winter challenge for North India, but the current spell is notable for its intensity and widespread impact across the agricultural heartland of Punjab and Haryana. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins and follow all safety guidelines issued by the administration.
