Several districts in Punjab reported single-digit minimum temperatures. Bathinda touched 5.6°C, while Gurdaspur recorded 7°C. Cities like Amritsar (7.8°C) and Ludhiana (7.4°C) also felt a noticeable chill, with early fog adding to slower morning movement. Patiala, which usually stays warmer, dropped to 8.4°C, and Ferozepur followed with 6.7°C.

Neighbouring Haryana also faced a significant dip in temperatures. Hisar remained the coldest in the state at 6.3°C, continuing its trend of sharp winter lows. Sirsa recorded 7.8°C, while Karnal touched 8°C. Gurugram, known for its urban heat zone, still dipped to 9.8°C. Rohtak (8.2°C) and Ambala (10.3°C) also reported a clear fall in night temperatures.

Meanwhile, Chandigarh, the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded a minimum of 7.9°C, signalling the steady arrival of a stronger cold wave over the northern plains.

Meteorological officials noted that cold northwesterly winds and clear skies are intensifying the chill. They expect temperatures to drop further over the next few days as dry winds continue to sweep across the region. With no immediate western disturbance, the cold wave is likely to strengthen.

People across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh have started preparing for a deeper winter. Early morning walkers reduced outdoor activity, roadside vendors lit small fires, and schools advised students to wear extra warm layers. The cold wave, which has arrived earlier than usual this season, now appears set to stay.

The post Faridkot Shivers at 4°C as North India Sees Sharp Winter Dip appeared first on India Podcast.

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.

The post Punjab Weather Air Pollution Update: Cold Wave Grips State appeared first on India Podcast.