Dense fog reduces visibility, disrupts vehicular movement
Narnaul records 5.5°C as lowest minimum temperature
Dense fog gripped the state on Friday morning and late evening, reducing visibility and intensifying cold conditions. It has slowed vehicular movement on roads and affected train operations in several districts, posing challenges for commuters, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.
As per the data of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state recorded a rise of 1°C in the average minimum temperature compared to Thursday. The temperature, however, remained near normal. The lowest minimum temperature of 5.5°C was recorded at Narnaul.
Other minimum temperatures included 8.9°C in Ambala, 6.1°C (Hisar), 8°C (Karnal), 7.8°C (Rohtak), 7.5°C (Bhiwani), 8.6°C (Sirsa), 8.3°C (Faridabad), 8.4°C (Gurugram), 6.1°C (Jind), 7.9°C (Kaithal), 6.3°C (Mahendragarh), 7.5°C (Mewat), 7.8°C (Panipat), and 6.2°C (Sonepat).
There was a rise of 0.3°C in average maximum temperature, which was near normal temperature in the state. The highest maximum temperature of 24.6°C was recorded at Palwal.
The maximum temperature of Ambala was 19°C, Hisar (23.2°C), Karnal (18.2°C), Narnaul (18°C), Rohtak (20.3°C), Bhiwani (20.6°C), Gurugram (20.8°C), Kaithal (17.4°C), Karnal (18.7°C), Mahendragarh (22.2°C), Mewat (21.9°C), Sirsa (23.2°C), Sonepat (21°C), Yamunanagar (19.1°C), Bhiwani (24.1°C), Charkhi Dadri (23.2°C), Faridabad (23.8°C), and Jind (22.3°C).
With the possibility of dense fog in coming days, too, the IMD has advised farmers to operate farm machinery cautiously under low-visibility conditions. They have also been advised to wear warm clothing while working in fields, especially during morning hours, and to drink lukewarm water. For wheat crops, which are in the tillering stage, they have been advised to irrigate at noon time and avoid early morning irrigation due to foggy conditions.
For mustard crops, which are at a flowering stage, the farmers have been advised to irrigate at noon, ensuring that water does not stagnate in fields.
Livestock farmers have been advised to keep animals under sheds at night and early morning. Animals should be provided lukewarm drinking water and adequate ventilation without direct cold airflow.
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR), Karnal, said the prevailing cold conditions were a boon for the wheat crop and they expected a good yield if the cold conditions prevailed during the season.
Dr Ratan Tiwari, Director, IIWBR, said chilly weather conditions were beneficial for the wheat crop. “Farmers are advised to keep vigil on the crops to monitor health,” he added.
