Cold wave to grip Punjab, Chandigarh until December 24, yellow alert issued
PTC Web Desk: The residents of Punjab and Chandigarh are bracing for a cold wave expected to persist until December 24, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A yellow alert has been issued, with 18 districts placed under cold wave warning on Wednesday.
The average maximum temperature has dropped by 0.5 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours, though it remains near normal levels. Faridkot recorded the highest average maximum temperature at 24.2°C, while the night temperature in the district plummeted to 0°C. The IMD attributes the dip in temperature to a western disturbance forming over the Himalayan region, which is expected to cause a further drop of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
An orange alert has been issued for the districts of Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Faridkot, and Moga. Meanwhile, a yellow alert is in place for Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala, and Mohali.
Prolonged exposure to cold conditions may lead to illnesses such as the flu, runny or blocked nose, and even nosebleeds. The IMD advises residents not to ignore shivering, as it could be an early sign of the body losing heat. Severe cases may result in frostbite, with symptoms including pale, numb skin and black blisters, especially on extremities like fingers, toes, and ear lobes.
Residents are urged to limit travel, stay indoors as much as possible, and wear layered, winter-appropriate clothing.
- With inputs from agencies
