Freezing cold hits punjab: dry air causes illness, latest rain forecast

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab is currently grappling with a dry cold, and the Meteorological Department has issued a relief alert for the region. The department forecasts a significant weather change across North India, including Punjab, over the next three days. While snowfall is expected in the mountains, rain is likely to occur in the plains. A Western Disturbance is set to become active from December 8, bringing with it a dense fog alert for Punjab from December 7 to 9. During this period, dense fog is expected to affect cities such as Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, and Malerkotla.

Visibility in these areas could drop to as low as 50 meters. As the first week of December ends, the cold weather still hasn’t fully set in. However, significant temperature differences between day and night are causing a surge in seasonal illnesses, with many people falling prey to viral fevers and other health issues. Punjab's average minimum temperature has fallen by 3.2°C, while Chandigarh has seen a drop of 4.5°C. Sangrur recorded the lowest temperature at 4.5°C. All cities in Punjab and Chandigarh, except Mohali, have witnessed temperatures dropping below 10°C.