Dense fog in isolated areas of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh; yellow alert issued

The forecast indicates that the weather will likely remain dry in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh until November 18. Dense fog caused difficulties for vehicular traffic on highways Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

While the weather department has noted it as fog, doctors indicated that it is actually smoke combined with fog, resulting in smog in the region.

Dr Divyanshu Gupta, honorary general secretary of the Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA), said,” I am observing very poor visibility outside. It was hard to drive on the highway on Tuesday night. It is definitely smog and not fog alone, as poor air quality indicates the same. Farmers burn the fields in the evening, causing smog. Hence, I advise people to wear masks before moving out and take steam before bed. Use of air purifiers is also suggested.”

Temperatures are dropping in the region. On Wednesday morning, the lowest minimum temperature recorded in Punjab was 13.4 degrees Celsius in Hoshiarpur, while the highest minimum temperature reached 19.1 degrees Celsius in Fatehgarh Sahib. In Haryana, the lowest minimum temperature was 13.3 degrees Celsius in Mahendragarh, and the highest minimum temperatures were 19.1 degrees Celsius in both Ambala and Kurukshetra.

In Punjab, the average minimum temperature fell by 0.9 degrees Celsius compared to Tuesday. However, according to the weather department, this temperature was still significantly above normal by 6.7 degrees Celsius. Similarly, in Haryana, the minimum temperature decreased by 0.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday morning compared to Tuesday, but it remained above normal by 3.5 degrees Celsius.

On Tuesday, the maximum temperature recorded in Punjab was 30.4 degrees Celsius in Bathinda, while the minimum temperature was 15.3 degrees Celsius at Thein Dam, located in Pathankot. In Haryana, the highest temperature reached 33.6 degrees Celsius in Mahendergarh, while the lowest was 13.6 degrees Celsius in Hisar.

Dr Gupta said, “As it is not raining right now, we expect patients with dry cough and chest congestion in the coming days. Rain could bring some relief, however.”