Cold wave to persist for a few days, says Met

The intense cold wave will continue to persist for one or two days with the maximum temperatures hovering around 17-18°C while the minimum being recorded nearing 7-8°C. Despite chilly winds and biting cold conditions, the spirits of the New Year revellers were high on the New Year’s Eve. Whether it was much hyped Diljit Dosanjh concert or other parties and get-togethers, huge crowds were seen braving the chill, enjoying the New Year’s Eve, welcoming 2025 across the city.

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While about 40,000-50,000 fans were enjoying the concert of Diljit at the PAU grounds in foggy weather, hundreds of people were seen dancing to his numbers on main roads outside the PAU. Giving two hoots to the biting cold, the fans were enjoying dancing and singing. Many were seen climbing on trees, giving tough times for security personnel to control the situation.

After the concert got over at 12 midnight, a huge crowd of fans was seen on roads, troubling motorists. Vehicles were stranded for around 50 minutes, giving way to people, who were struggling to get back to their parked vehicles, much away from the venue. To avoid inconvenience while parking their vehicles, many fans braved the chill at night and reached the venue by walking from their homes. Besides, residents enjoyed and welcomed the New Year till the wee hours as till 4 am, movement of vehicles on roads was observed.

Meanwhile, many homeless persons were seen getting warmth by burning waste, wood, etc, in city areas. Outside temples and other religious places, a few Good Samaritans were seen donating warm clothes and blankets to them. While inside the city, not much fog could be witnessed but people coming from other parts for the celebrations had to face fog in periphery areas.

Parents welcome extension of school holidays

Seeing the prevailing weather conditions, the state government has announced to extend the winter vacations till January 7 and the step is well taken by parents, students and teachers, who feel that it was a good decision as the cold wave had intensified in the region. Mona Dogra, a homemaker, said even if schools were opened late at after 9 am or 9.30 am for students studying in primary classes, there will be no respite from cold. “Students can have a break for a few more days and we hope that weather gets cleared by the time schools are opened,” said Dogra, whose daughter studies in Class I at a leading school in Sarabha Nagar.

Dr PK Kingra, head of the Met Department at the PAU, said the cold wave would persist for another day or so, without sunny days. At the same time, days will be colder and nights are warmers if the temperatures are concerned. The day temperature is less than normal while night is on the higher side from the normal during these days.

Mobile theft complaints

Prior to Diljit Dosanjh concert here on Tuesday night, organisers and the Police Department urged people to watch out for pickpockets and take care of their mobiles and wallets. Still, the police got about 17 complaints of mobile theft. Though there were other such complaints, the same were not filed with the police.