A thick blanket of “Grey Skies” and biting winds gripped the capital and North Haryana today, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) officially declared a “Severe Cold Day” for Chandigarh and Ambala.
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Mercury Plummets: Residents woke up to a sunless day where the maximum temperature struggled to cross the 11.5°C to 12°C mark. This is approximately 9 to 10 degrees below the normal for this time of the year. The lack of sunlight due to persistent “High-level Fog” (stratus clouds) prevented any daytime warming.
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Severe Cold Day Definition: According to IMD criteria, a “Severe Cold Day” is declared when the minimum temperature is less than 10°C and the maximum temperature is at least 6.5°C below normal. Today’s conditions far exceeded these thresholds.
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Impact on Daily Life:
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Commuter Woes: Visibility remained below 50 meters in Ambala and nearby areas until noon, leading to significant delays for long-distance trains and flights.
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Heating Demand: There has been a sudden surge in the demand for electric heaters and coal, with local markets reporting a shortage of seasoned firewood.
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Health Advisory: Health experts have warned of an increase in respiratory issues and “Cold Shock” among the elderly and children. The public is advised to dress in multiple layers and avoid unnecessary travel during late-night and early-morning hours.
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Weather Forecast: The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for the next 48 hours. No immediate relief is expected as a “Western Disturbance” is likely to bring light rain or drizzle by December 20, which may further increase the chill factor due to high humidity.
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Administration Response: Municipal authorities in Ambala have increased the capacity of night shelters (Rain Baseras) and have started distributing blankets to the homeless near railway stations and bus stands.
