Chandigarh, 30 Dec. 24: The minimum temperature rose by 2-3 degrees after recent rainfall, but cold weather tightened its grip on the plains following fresh snowfall in the mountains. The maximum temperature in the metropolis plunged to 15.4°C on Sunday, significantly colder than earlier days.
Previously hovering around 20°C, the maximum temperature dropped by six degrees, signaling an intensifying cold wave. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts even lower temperatures in the coming days as the cold deepens.
In Punjab, Anandpur Sahib recorded a high of 21°C, while Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar saw a chilly 13.5°C. As for the minimum temperatures, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar was Punjab’s coldest at 4.5°C, followed by Fazilka at 6.3°C and Pathankot at 6.2°C.
An Orange and Yellow alert was issued across several districts on Monday, accompanied by warnings of dense fog. Visibility on highways is expected to reduce to about 500 meters, heightening travel risks.
The past week brought significant weather changes, including persistent fog. However, a brief reprieve was seen today as sunlight pierced through the haze. Despite this, the cold wave intensified on Sunday, with notable temperature drops in Adampur, Amritsar, Bathinda, and Jalandhar.
According to IMD, the winter chill will escalate further in Punjab and neighboring states in the days ahead. Recent rainfall and a five-degree drop in the maximum temperature have firmly heralded the arrival of peak winter.