Winter chill sets in city as mercury dips to 9.6°C

Winters have finally knocked on the doors of Ludhiana, with the city waking up to a crisp morning chill. The minimum temperature dipped to 9.6°C while the maximum hovered around 28.0°C, marking a clear shift in the season.

The change is visible on streets. Schoolchildren are now stepping out in full-sleeved uniforms and trousers while commuters on two-wheelers have pulled out their woollens to brace against the nip in the air. Shawls and sweaters have begun to reappear in homes and markets, signalling that the city is ready to embrace the season.

Adding to the winter charm, the smoky aroma of shakarkandi (roasted sweet potatoes) wafts through street corners, a familiar comfort for Ludhianvis. From villages, women have started arriving in the city with fresh sarson ka saag, a seasonal delicacy that finds its way into kitchens as soon as the mercury dips.

“The moment the temperature drops, we know it’s time for saag and makki di roti,” smiled Harbans Kaur, a vegetable seller from a nearby village. “We bring fresh saag every morning and people are already buying it in large quantities,” she said.

Hot beverages are also making a comeback, with steaming cups of coffee and tea becoming the city’s favourite companions in early mornings and late evenings. Street vendors selling peanuts and gajak are beginning to draw crowds, adding to the seasonal flavour.

“There’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee on a chilly evening,” said Rohan Sharma, a college student. “It feels like winter has finally arrived when you see people huddled around tea stalls.”

Meteorological experts from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) stated that while afternoons remain pleasantly warm, the sharp fall in morning and evening temperatures is a clear sign that winter is here to stay. “The minimum temperature has dipped below 10°C, which is a strong indicator of the onset of winter in the region,” said a Met official.

With the festival season just behind and the wedding season ahead, the city is expected to see more bustling markets, layered clothing and the unmistakable rhythm of state’s winter life.

For now, Ludhiana is soaking in the seasonal transition — where the warmth of woollens, the taste of saag and the smoke of shakarkandi together announce the arrival of winter.