Chandigarh, December 21, 2024: A fresh Western Disturbance (WD) is causing shallow fog over Chandigarh and surrounding areas, with the conditions expected to persist through the weekend. Clear skies are forecast for the region beginning Monday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Officials explained that shallow fog forms when visibility drops below 1,000 meters, typically due to moisture carried by the WD and changes in the wind patterns, which prevent the usual northwesterly winds from reaching the area.
This fog is expected to occur late at night or during early morning hours, particularly in isolated regions, rural areas, or roads near fields.
On Friday, visibility in Chandigarh remained above 2,000 meters, avoiding the more severe conditions of dense fog.
Temperature patterns over the past two days showed a rise in the maximum temperature, which reached 23.9°C on Friday, 3.3 degrees higher than usual.
In contrast, the minimum temperature dropped slightly to 6.7°C on Friday, a degree lower than the previous day. Looking ahead, the maximum temperature is expected to remain between 20°C and 22°C, while the minimum temperature will stay between 5°C and 6°C over the next few days.
Meanwhile, air quality continues to be a concern, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) staying in the “poor” category. As of 4:00 pm on Friday, the CPCB reported an average AQI of 242 across three stations in the city, indicating that prolonged exposure could cause discomfort, especially for those with respiratory issues.
The AQI range of 201-300 falls under the “poor” category. The air quality has been consistently poor since the start of the week.
Residents are advised to remain cautious during foggy conditions over the weekend and limit outdoor activities as necessary due to the ongoing poor air quality.
