Chandigarh, Dec 20: Cold wave conditions continued across several districts of Punjab on Friday as dense fog reduced visibility and minimum temperatures dipped below normal levels in many areas, according to the India Meteorological Department.
IMD data showed that minimum temperatures across the state over the past 24 hours ranged between 4 C and 10 C. Hoshiarpur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 4.8 C, followed by Bathinda and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar at 5.2 C each. Gurdaspur reported a minimum of 6 C.
Meteorological officials said very dense fog has been prevailing over the plains of northwest India since Dec. 18, affecting highways, railway lines and flight operations during early morning hours.
“The persistent fog has been impacting visibility across the region, leading to disruptions in road, rail and air traffic,” an IMD official said.
Health experts have advised residents, particularly the elderly and people with respiratory ailments, to limit outdoor exposure during peak cold and fog hours.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for dense fog for the next 48 hours and said a further change in weather is likely after that period. Light rainfall is expected in parts of Punjab due to an approaching Western Disturbance, which could further affect temperatures, officials said.
