CHANDIGARH – Punjab continues to remain in the grip of a relentless cold wave as temperatures plummeted further on Sunday, December 28, 2025. A thick blanket of “very dense” fog has brought the state to a virtual standstill, severely disrupting road, rail, and air traffic.
Mercury Dips: Faridkot Emerges as Coldest
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that temperatures across the state are hovering several degrees below normal. Faridkot recorded the lowest temperature in Punjab today at a bone-chilling 3.4°C. Other major cities are facing similar conditions:
- Amritsar & Ludhiana: 4.4°C
- Patiala: 4.6°C
- Gurdaspur: 4.0°C
- Chandigarh: 5.6°C
Visibility Hits Zero: The “Fog Gridlock”
The most significant challenge for residents has been the “very dense” fog. Visibility dropped to zero in Amritsar and Jalandhar during the early morning hours, while Ludhiana and Patiala reported visibility under 50 meters.
This “gridlock” has led to: - Highway Hazards: Commuters on the NH-1 and other major arteries reported crawling speeds, with authorities advising against non-essential travel before 10:00 AM.
- Transport Delays: Over a dozen trains passing through the Punjab-Delhi corridor are running behind schedule, and several flights from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport faced delays or diversions.
Orange Alert and Health Advisory
The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for several districts, predicting that these conditions will persist at least until December 30. Meteorologists attribute this extreme chill to dry north-westerly winds blowing from the Himalayas.
Health experts in the state have issued a cautionary note, particularly for children and the elderly. “The combination of extreme cold and high humidity in the fog increases the risk of respiratory issues and cold-related stress,” noted a senior physician at PGIMER.
Safety Tips for Commuters: - Use Fog Lights: Always use low-beam headlights or specialized yellow fog lights.
- Maintain Distance: Double the standard following distance between vehicles.
- Stay Informed: Check train and flight statuses before leaving home.