Cold wave set to intensify in Tricity

A fresh warning of the cold wave intensifying over the next few days set the weather tone for Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula on Friday even as the region witnessed a contrast in temperatures — a marginal rise in day temperatures but a noticeable dip in the minimums — during the past 24 hours.

According to the evening bulletin of the Meteorological Centre, Chandigarh, the maximum temperature was recorded at 23.9°C in Chandigarh and 23°C in Mohali. Panchkula logged a minimum of 7°C, indicating a sharper night chill. The night temperature in Chandigarh dropped to 6.1°C, below normal by 4.5°C, while the airport station reported 7.3°C, 3.3°C below normal.

The bulletin confirmed a “cold wave at isolated places in Haryana and Punjab” and even a “severe cold wave at isolated places in Punjab”.

The forecast for the next five days indicates largely clear to partly clear skies. Maximum temperatures will hover between 25°C and 26°C, while the minimum will remain between 8°C and 9°C — conditions favourable for the cold wave to strengthen, especially during early mornings and late nights as wind patterns stabilise under clear skies.