Red alert in Punjab, Haryana as cold tightens grip

Haryana also witnessed a sharp dip, with the average maximum temperature declining by 2.4°C from the previous day and staying markedly below normal by 7.2°C. The highest maximum temperature in the state was 21.5°C at Palwal.

Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of only 8.9°C, which is 9°C below normal, underlining the severity of the ongoing cold spell.

As predicted earlier, the weather remained dry over Punjab and Haryana. Dense to very dense fog was observed at most places in Punjab and at many places in Haryana, severely affecting visibility. Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions prevailed at several locations, while cold day to severe cold day conditions were reported at isolated places.

Very dense fog was reported from Amritsar, Bathinda, Faridkot, Ballowal Saunkhri, Ambala, Hisar, Karnal and Bhiwani, while dense fog was observed in Patiala, Gurdaspur and Chandigarh.

IMD officials said the red alert continued for the second day due to persistently abnormally low day temperatures, severe cold wave conditions and widespread dense fog. The alert indicates a high risk to public health, transport and essential services, particularly during night and early morning hours.

Cold and foggy conditions are likely to persist across the Tricity, with dense fog during night and morning hours. A slow and gradual rise in temperatures is expected from January 16 onward, though temperatures are likely to remain below normal for the next few days.

Residents have been advised to limit exposure to cold, while farmers have been asked to take measures to protect crops from frost injury.