The cold wave has serious implications for daily life.
Cold Wave Alert: Punjab and Haryana Experience Sub-Normal Temperatures, Faridkot Coldest
According to the India Meteorological Department, with minimum temperatures plunging well below normal levels across many districts in Punjab and Haryana, both states are currently facing a severe cold wave. Faridkot was the coldest spot in Punjab, recording a chilling low of 2.5 degrees (Celsius).
The weather officials said that in Punjab, several cities shivered through sub-normal nights. Gurdaspur hit 5.0 degrees, Amritsar dropped to 5.6 degrees, Ludhiana saw 7.0 degrees, Patiala 9.0 degrees, Pathankot 5.2 degrees and Bathinda 4.6 degrees.
The joint capital Chandigarh too felt the chilling cold, with a temperature of 7.9 degrees, about 2.7 degrees below normal.
The chill was equally intense in neighbouring Haryana. Narnaul was the coldest there at 3.8 degrees, roughly four degrees below seasonal normals. Other districts recorded lows of 4.7 degrees in Hisar, 7.5 degrees in Karnal, 6.0 degrees in Bhiwani, 6.4 degrees in Sirsa and 9.8 degrees in Ambala.
Meteorologists cited that many of these readings – one to four degrees below normal – mark a sharp, early-season cold wave, especially in plains areas which are unaccustomed to such low overnight temperatures.
The cold wave has serious implications for daily life: vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses are likely to suffer; agricultural operations and animal husbandry may be disrupted; and there could be increased demand for heating and shelter support specifically in rural areas. Local authorities and civil-society agencies are likely to monitor the situation closely in the upcoming days.
Given the sharp drop in temperature across key Punjab and Haryana districts and the early onset of these sub-zero-adjacent lows, the cold snap merits close follow-up, including possible alerts, advisories and region-wide reporting to alert residents and help plan mitigation.
Source: The Tribune
