Red alert in Punjab and Haryana as northern states battle cold waves, dense fog

A public advisory is issued and residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel during early morning hours. It further suggests cautious driving due to low visibility and adequate protection against extreme cold, especially for children, elderly, and outdoor workers.

A red alert has been issued across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh as severe cold wave conditions and dense to very dense fog continue to grip the region, causing serious disruption to daily life.

According to the latest evening bulletin, the weather remained dry during the past 24 hours, but cold to severe cold wave conditions were reported at many places in both states.

In Punjab, the average maximum temperature rose slightly by 0.8°C, yet remained markedly below normal by 6.3°C. Highest maximum temperature in the state was 20.7°C at Sri Anandpur Sahib and the lowest minimum was 0°C at Ballowal Saunkhri.

In Haryana, the average maximum temperature increased by 0.5°C, but stayed 3.8°C below normal. Highest maximum temperature: 22.8°C at Palwal. Lowest minimum temperature: 1.4°C at Canal Rest House Saragthal in Sonipat.

In Chandigarh, the maximum temperature was recorded at 15.2°C (3°C below normal), while the minimum dropped to 2.8°C, about 4°C below normal.

Very dense fog was reported in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Ballowal Saunkhri, Chandigarh, Ambala, Hisar, Karnal and Bhiwani. Dense fog was observed in Gurdaspur, leading to reduced visibility and traffic disruptions.

According to the five-day weather forecast in Punjab (January 14–18), weather is expected to remain mainly dry. Dense to very dense fog likely during night and morning hours at many places. Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions to continue in several districts. Day temperatures are likely to remain below normal, ranging between 14°C and 20°C, while night temperatures may hover between 1°C and 7°C, with risk of frost at isolated places.

Similar five-day conditions are likely to prevail in neighbouring Haryana. Dense fog is expected during late night and early morning hours, especially over north and central districts. Cold day conditions are likely to persist at isolated places. Maximum temperatures expected are between 14°C and 18°C, while minimum temperatures may range from 2°C to 8°C, with a gradual rise after January 16.

In the Tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula) region, forecast suggests partly cloudy skies with persistent dense fog. Maximum temperature is expected to be between 14°C to 18°C, with minimum ranging from 5°C to 10°C.