Chandigarh, December 21, 2024: A fresh Western Disturbance (WD) is set to bring shallow fog to the region over the weekend, with clearer skies expected from Monday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
IMD officials noted that shallow fog forms when visibility drops below 1,000 meters due to moisture brought by the WD and shifts in wind patterns, which disrupt the usual northwesterly flow. Fog is most likely to appear late at night or in the early morning, particularly along isolated roads near fields and rural areas. On Friday, city visibility remained above 2,000 meters.
Temperatures saw minor fluctuations, with the maximum rising to 23.9°C on Friday, 3.3 degrees above normal, from 21.7°C on Thursday. Meanwhile, the minimum dropped to 6.7°C, a degree below normal, compared to 7.4°C the previous day. Over the next three days, maximum temperatures are predicted to range between 20°C and 22°C, while minimums are likely to hover between 5°C and 6°C.
Air quality, however, remains a growing concern. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to linger in the “poor” category, with an average AQI of 242 recorded at 4:00 pm across three monitoring stations, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Officials warn that prolonged exposure to poor air—defined as an AQI range of 201 to 300—can cause breathing discomfort for many. The city’s AQI has stayed poor since the beginning of the week.
Residents are advised to exercise caution during early morning travel due to fog and limit outdoor activities to avoid prolonged exposure to polluted air.