The weather across Punjab and Chandigarh has taken a colder turn, with mornings and evenings becoming significantly chillier compared to the daytime. Temperatures are steadily dropping, and nights are turning colder as winter sets in. According to the Meteorological Department, the skies are expected to remain clear over the coming week, with no chances of rainfall.
Over the next three days, minimum temperatures are likely to stay stable but 2°C to 4°C below normal levels. In the past 24 hours, the state’s average maximum temperature has fallen by around 0.5°C. The highest temperature of the season was recorded in Samrala at 29.9°C.
Meanwhile, air quality across Punjab remains a major concern, with pollution levels rising in several cities. Mandi Gobindgarh is currently the most polluted city, reporting an AQI of 206. Other cities recorded high levels too — Bathinda (192), Jalandhar (158), Khanna (169), and Ludhiana (163). In contrast, Chandigarh’s air quality remained relatively better, with AQI readings between 72 and 83 across its three monitoring stations.
Experts attribute the rising pollution primarily to stubble burning by farmers. This year, the number of stubble-burning incidents has significantly increased. Between September 15 and November 11, a total of 4,507 cases were reported, compared to 1,642 cases up to October 31. With the wheat sowing season underway, farmers have intensified efforts to clear leftover crop residue.
Authorities have taken action in 1,147 cases, imposing fines worth ₹1 crore, of which ₹92 lakh has already been collected. To control stubble burning, 781 nodal officers have been deployed across the state.
