Chandigarh | January 3, 2026 — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula under a Red Alert, warning of very dense fog and severe cold wave conditions across the Tricity. After rainfall marked the beginning of the New Year, a sharp rise in humidity has resulted in a thick blanket of fog, reducing visibility to near-zero levels in several areas.
Zero Visibility Disrupts Transport Services
The impact of the weather has been most severe on transportation networks.
Aviation: Visibility at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport dropped to zero meters early Friday, triggering widespread disruptions. At least 10 flights were delayed or cancelled, prompting airlines such as IndiGo and Air India to issue travel advisories. Passengers have been advised to check real-time updates under airline “FogCare” initiatives before proceeding to the airport.
Railways: Rail services have also been hit hard. Premium trains including the Kalka Shatabdi and Vande Bharat Express were delayed by up to five hours. Other long-distance services such as the Paschim Express and Jan Shatabdi faced significant delays due to enforced speed restrictions amid poor visibility.
Road Safety: Chandigarh Traffic Police have urged motorists to exercise caution, use fog lights, maintain safe speeds, and avoid non-essential travel during late-night and early-morning hours.
Why the Fog Is So Severe
According to meteorological experts, the current conditions are the result of a Western Disturbance that brought approximately 13 mm of rainfall on January 1. The residual moisture, combined with light northwesterly winds and falling temperatures, has led to the formation of radiation fog, a phenomenon common during winter nights with clear skies and calm winds.
Officials noted that daytime temperatures are hovering between 13°C and 15°C, nearly 5°C below the seasonal average, intensifying the chill.
Five-Day Weather Outlook
The IMD has warned that relief is unlikely in the immediate future:
January 3–5: Red Alert remains in force due to very dense fog and cold wave conditions.
January 6: Conditions may slightly improve, with an Orange Alert expected as fog density reduces marginally.
Temperatures: Minimum temperatures are likely to fall further, touching around 6°C during the night.
Advisory for Residents
The Chandigarh Administration has issued a public advisory urging residents—especially senior citizens and children—to limit outdoor exposure. People have also been cautioned about the possibility of ground frost in open and rural areas. Authorities recommend staying hydrated, wearing layered clothing, and taking extra precautions while commuting.