Dense fog engulfs Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula for third day; IMD issues orange alert for Saturday
Dense to very dense fog, falling temperatures and a surge in humidity spell caution through the weekend
Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula remained engulfed in dense to very dense fog for the third consecutive day on Friday, severely reducing visibility as a partly cloudy sky prevailed across the region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the persistence of foggy conditions was accompanied by a noticeable dip in both day and night temperatures across Tricity, intensifying winter chill and disrupting normal life.
At Chandigarh weather observatory, the maximum temperature settled at 19°C, about 2 degrees below normal, while the minimum stood at 7.9°C, close to the seasonal average. Relative humidity remained high, with maximum humidity touching 91 per cent and minimum around 66 per cent, creating ideal conditions for sustained fog formation. Panchkula and Mohali recorded similar conditions, with Panchkula logging a maximum of 17.9°C and a minimum of 7.8°C, reflecting a continued cooling trend.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Saturday, warning of dense to very dense fog at several places in and around Tricity, while a yellow alert has been sounded for Sunday and again from Tuesday to Thursday, indicating dense fog at isolated locations.
The five-day forecast suggests partly cloudy skies till Monday, turning mainly clear by Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures fluctuating but remaining on the lower side. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 19°C and 22°C, while minimum temperatures may dip to around 7°C by December 24.
Across the broader region, Chandigarh and Mohali recorded among the higher day temperatures, while nearby areas in Punjab and Haryana saw sharper contrasts. In comparison, hill stations continued to feel colder, with Shimla recording significantly lower night temperatures than the plains, underlining the seasonal chill gripping the northwest.
Meteorologists attributed the prolonged fog spell to calm winds, high moisture content and a stable lower atmosphere. With no rainfall reported and dry weather likely to continue, residents have been advised to remain cautious during early morning and late-night hours, particularly motorists and air travellers, as visibility may drop sharply during peak fog hours.
