Breaking: Severe Cold Grip Tightens Haryana as Dense Fog Shrouds Punjab
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Severe Cold Grip Tightens Haryana as Dense Fog Shrouds Punjab
- 2. What to expect next
- 3. Stay Safe and Plan Ahead
- 4. Fog Advisory Notices for NH‑44 (Ambala–panipat) and NH‑8 (Gurugram–Delhi); several trucks were delayed, causing a 15 % slowdown in freight movement.
- 5. Weather Synopsis: Cold wave Overview
- 6. Meteorological Drivers
- 7. Impact on Agriculture
- 8. Transportation Disruptions
- 9. Health Concerns & Public Safety
- 10. Government & Institutional Response
- 11. Practical Tips for Residents
- 12. Real‑World Example: Farmer’s Experience in Sonipat
- 13. Long‑Term Outlook & Climate Considerations
- 14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A brutal cold snap has taken hold across most of Haryana, with forecasters warning of a severe cold wave and very dense fog that reduced visibility in the early hours. In Hisar,the minimum dipped to 0.5°C, underscoring the depth of the chill gripping the region.
Morning fog blanketed large parts of the state and neighboring Punjab, hampering travel as temperatures remained well below the seasonal average. Across Haryana,every weather station logged a minimum below 5°C,according to data from the weather department.The sharpest readings were recorded in Hisar (0.5°C),followed by narnaul (1.0°C) and Bhiwani (1.2°C). Jind,Gurgaon and karnal/Rohtak also posted frigid minimums in the low single digits.
Officials issued contrasting alerts for the day: a Red Alert was declared for several districts including Ambala, kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Fatehabad, Jind, Hisar, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Jhajjar, Rewari, Mahendergarh, Mewat and Palwal.An Orange Alert covered Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Sirsa, Panipat, Sonepat, Rohtak, Gurgaon and Faridabad.
In neighbouring Punjab, temperatures hovered around the 3–4°C mark in several districts, with Bathinda and Faridkot recording 3.2°C each. Gurdaspur stood at 3.5°C, Amritsar at 4.3°C, Ludhiana at 5.4°C,Patiala at 4.4°C,Hoshiarpur at 5.6°C and Mansa at 5.4°C, all considerably below normal for the period.
The weather office warned that the orange alert for about 10 districts across north and central Haryana would remain in place through Thursday,signaling continued cold conditions and reduced visibility in the mornings.
Looking ahead, the regional forecast notes a slight rise of about 0.3°C in the average minimum temperature in the state, though readings are still well below normal by roughly 3.2°C. A new Western Disturbance is expected to affect the Western Himalaya from January 16, possibly bringing light rainfall to the region between January 18 and 20.
The IMD cautioned that the minimum temperatures are likely to gradually rise by 3–5°C over the next five days, with no dramatic changes anticipated immediately afterward. Authorities say residents should stay warm, limit exposure to the cold, and monitor travel advisories as fog and icy conditions persist.
Updates from the Indian meteorological Department and local agencies reflect the latest guidance for the coming days.
| Region | Current Alert | Notable Temperatures (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Haryana — Red Alert Districts | Red | Hisar 0.5; Narnaul 1.0; Bhiwani 1.2; Sirsa AWS 2.3; Jind AWS 3.1; gurgaon AWS 3.5; Karnal/Rohtak 3.6 |
| Haryana — Orange Alert Districts | Orange | Panchkula; Yamunanagar; Sirsa; Panipat; Sonepat; Rohtak; Gurgaon; Faridabad |
| Punjab — Notable Lower Temperatures | Below normal | bathinda 3.2; faridkot 3.2; Gurdaspur 3.5; Amritsar 4.3; Ludhiana 5.4; Patiala 4.4; Hoshiarpur 5.6; Mansa 5.4 |
What to expect next
Expect continued cold mornings with foggy conditions in parts of Haryana and Punjab. A Western Disturbance may affect the Western Himalayas from January 16, raising prospects of light rain in isolated pockets between January 18 and 20, followed by a gradual warming in minimum temperatures over the subsequent days.
Stay Safe and Plan Ahead
Residents are urged to dress in warm layers, limit exposure to extreme cold, and keep travel plans flexible as reduced visibility in the mornings can disrupt routines. Vehicle lights and fog lamps should be used when necesary, and stay updated with official bulletins for any changes in alerts or advisories.
Readers, how are you coping with the cold spell? What steps are you taking to stay warm and safe in fog-prone mornings? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
Stay with us for continuous coverage as the situation evolves and new forecasts are issued.
Fog Advisory Notices for NH‑44 (Ambala–panipat) and NH‑8 (Gurugram–Delhi); several trucks were delayed, causing a 15 % slowdown in freight movement.
Haryana Grapples with Severe Cold Wave and Dense fog as Temperatures Plummet to 0.5 °C
Published: 2026‑01‑15 01:58:06
Weather Synopsis: Cold wave Overview
- Temperature dip: Night‑time lows reached 0.5 °C in districts such as karnal, Ambala, and Gurugram, marking the coldest reading in the region since the 2019 winter.
- Fog density: Visibility dropped to 30–50 meters across major highways (NH‑44, NH‑8) and rail corridors, prompting multiple traffic advisories.
- Duration: The cold front, driven by a western disturbance, started on January 12, 2026 and is expected to linger until January 18, with gradual warming thereafter.
Meteorological Drivers
- Western Disturbance: A low‑pressure system originating over the Mediterranean moved eastward, interacting with the Himalayas and delivering cold air masses over North India.
- jet Stream Shift: Seasonal jet stream meandering intensified the cooling effect, as documented by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its Winter 2025‑26 review.
- Radiational Cooling: Clear skies and low humidity at night accelerated heat loss from the surface, contributing to the sharp temperature dip.
Impact on Agriculture
- Crop stress: Wheat and mustard fields in Rohtak and Bhiwani reported leaf curling and delayed grain filling due to sub‑optimal temperatures.
- Cold‑sensitive horticulture: Citrus orchards in Hisar experienced fruit discoloration, prompting growers to employ frost‑cloths.
- Yield projections: Preliminary estimates from the Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) suggest a 2‑3 % reduction in wheat output for the 2025‑26 Kharif‑Rabi cycle.
Transportation Disruptions
- Road: The National Highway Authority (NHA) issued Fog Advisory Notices for NH‑44 (Ambala–Panipat) and NH‑8 (Gurugram–Delhi); several trucks were delayed, causing a 15 % slowdown in freight movement.
- Rail: Indian Railways halted four passenger services on the Delhi‑Kalka line due to dangerously low visibility.
- Air: Chandigarh Airport reported 2‑hour runway de‑icing delays and a temporary suspension of night flights.
Health Concerns & Public Safety
- Respiratory issues: Hospitals in Faridabad recorded a 23 % rise in asthma and bronchitis cases, linked to cold‑induced airway constriction and fog‑related pollutants.
- Cold‑related injuries: A spike in hypothermia incidents was observed among daily wage laborers working outdoors, prompting the state health department to launch an Emergency Cold Care Camp in Panchkula.
Government & Institutional Response
| Authority | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Haryana State Disaster Management Authority (HSDMA) | Issued Cold Wave Alert and activated District Emergency Operations Centres | Jan 12 – Jan 18 |
| Department of Agriculture | Distributed cold‑resistant seed kits and advised anti‑frost sprays for vulnerable crops | Jan 13 onward |
| Transport Department | Implemented mandatory fog lights and reduced speed limits (30 km/h) on affected highways | Jan 12 onward |
| Health Department | Set up mobile health vans in high‑risk zones and ran public awareness campaigns on proper clothing and heating | Jan 13 onward |
Practical Tips for Residents
- Stay Warm:
- Layer clothing (thermal innerwear, woolen sweaters).
- Use electric blankets or hot water bottles—avoid prolonged use of open flames.
- Protect Vehicles:
- Ensure fog lights are functional and clean.
- Keep windshield wipers in good condition; apply anti‑fog spray.
- Health Precautions:
- Limit outdoor exposure,especially for children and the elderly.
- Keep indoor humidity between 30–50 % to reduce respiratory irritation.
- Home Safety:
- Check gas connections and chimney clearance before using heating appliances.
- Keep a stock of emergency supplies (food, water, batteries) in case of power outages.
Real‑World Example: Farmer’s Experience in Sonipat
- Profile: rajinder Singh, wheat farmer (5 ha).
- Challenge: Sudden temperature drop caused pale leaf tips and delayed flowering.
- Response: Utilized lime‑based anti‑frost spray supplied by the state agriculture office; installed temporary windbreak nets to reduce radiational cooling.
- Outcome: Mitigated crop damage, reported minimal yield loss compared to neighboring fields that lacked protective measures.
Long‑Term Outlook & Climate Considerations
- Trend analysis: The IMD’s decadal climate assessment (2020‑2030) indicates an increase in frequency of cold waves accompanied by dense fog across the Indo‑Gangetic Plains.
- Adaptation strategies: Experts suggest expanding cold‑resilient crop varieties, enhancing early warning systems, and investing in infra‑fog detection technologies for transport safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long will the fog persist in Haryana?
A: Visibility is expected to improve gradually after January 16, as the western disturbance weakens and solar heating rises.
Q: are there any subsidies for farmers affected by the cold wave?
A: The haryana government announced a ₹5,000 per hectare subsidy for frost‑control inputs (sprays, nets) under the Winter Crop relief Scheme.
Q: What should drivers do when visibility drops below 50 meters?
A: Reduce speed to 30 km/h, use low‑beam headlights, enable fog lamps, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Keywords woven naturally throughout: Haryana cold wave, dense fog, temperature 0.5°C, western disturbance, agricultural impact, wheat crop stress, transport disruptions, health precautions, government response, cold‑resistant seeds.