Residents of the Tricity region—comprising Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula—finally witnessed a welcome break from the persistent cold and foggy conditions on Tuesday. The day dawned with clear skies and bright sunshine, offering a much-needed respite and lifting spirits across the urban area.
Sunshine Interrupts the Chill, But Temperatures Stay Low
The sunshine provided a temporary illusion of warmth, but the cold wave's grip remained firm. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in Chandigarh was recorded at 6.4 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees below the seasonal average. The neighbouring cities reported similar chilly starts: Mohali at 6.2 degrees and Panchkula at 6.8 degrees Celsius.
While the maximum temperature climbed to a more comfortable 22.5 degrees Celsius in Chandigarh, the relief was short-lived. The IMD has issued a clear warning that the break in the fog is temporary. Weather officials predict that dense to very dense fog will make a comeback over the plains of Northwest India, including the Tricity, from the night of January 10.
IMD's Fog Alert and Upcoming Weather Patterns
The meteorological department has been closely monitoring the situation, attributing the current conditions to specific atmospheric patterns. "The prevailing foggy conditions are due to the prevalence of moist easterly winds in the lower levels over the plains of Northwest India," explained an IMD scientist. This weather pattern is expected to persist, leading to the return of reduced visibility.
The forecast indicates that the foggy conditions will likely continue for the next few days. Commuters, especially those traveling early in the morning or late at night, are advised to exercise caution. The return of dense fog is expected to disrupt road and rail traffic once again, following the pattern seen in recent days.
Regional Impact and Precautions
The cold wave and fog have significantly impacted daily life across the region. Flight schedules at the Chandigarh International Airport have faced delays, and train services have been running behind schedule. The brief sunshine on Tuesday allowed for some normalcy, with markets seeing more footfall and outdoor activities resuming temporarily.
Local authorities are urging citizens to take necessary precautions as the cold spell continues. Health experts advise wearing warm, layered clothing, especially for the elderly and children. Motorists are reminded to use fog lights, drive at reduced speeds, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles when visibility drops.
The IMD's forecast suggests that while daytime temperatures may see minor fluctuations, the cold wave conditions are likely to persist over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh for the remainder of the week. Residents are hoping for another sunny intervention but are bracing for the return of the familiar winter fog that blankets the region each year.
