Severe cold wave hits Punjab, Chandigarh; schools shut until December 31
Meteorological Department has also forecasted possible rainfall between December 26 and 28 in various districts
PTC Web Desk: The ongoing cold wave in Punjab and Chandigarh, exacerbated by snowfall in Himachal Pradesh, has led to a significant drop in temperatures. Many areas are experiencing thick fog during the early morning and evening hours. The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for cold wave and fog in 15 districts of Punjab today.
In the last 24 hours, the temperature in the state has risen by 4.7°C, approaching normal levels. The highest temperature of 21.6°C was recorded in Hoshiarpur, while Chandigarh recorded 20.1°C, marking a 6.4°C increase. On the other hand, Gurdaspur experienced the lowest temperature of 4.6°C.
The Meteorological Department has also forecasted possible rainfall between December 26 and 28 in various districts, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, and Ludhiana. The upcoming period will see the activation of a western disturbance, bringing the possibility of thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds.
In the wake of severe cold, schools in Punjab have been closed until December 31, as per the notification from the Education Department. Additionally, schools in Chandigarh will remain closed from December 26 to January 7, with a possibility of further extensions depending on the weather conditions. Changes to school timings may also occur in the coming days.