Punjab continues to grapple with challenging winter weather conditions as dense fog and intermittent rainfall affected large parts of the state on Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a weather alert for several districts, warning residents and commuters to remain cautious as visibility dropped sharply in many areas during the early morning hours.
According to the IMD, dense to very dense fog was recorded in at least 11 districts, significantly disrupting road, rail, and air movement. Districts including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala, Bathinda, Moga, Barnala, Sangrur, Hoshiarpur and surrounding regions experienced reduced visibility, in some areas dropping below 50 metres. The fog conditions persisted for several hours, particularly during the early morning, before gradually easing with the rise in temperature.
In addition to fog, the weather department has also forecast light to moderate rainfall in nine districts over the next 24 hours due to a western disturbance affecting the northwestern region. Officials said the combination of moisture and low temperatures is likely to prolong foggy conditions over the coming days, especially during night and early morning hours.
The persistent fog had a direct impact on daily life across Punjab. Vehicular movement on major highways slowed considerably, with police advisories issued urging motorists to use fog lights, maintain safe distances and avoid unnecessary travel during low visibility periods. Several minor accidents were reported from different districts, though no major casualties were confirmed by authorities till late afternoon.
Rail services were also affected, with multiple trains running behind schedule due to reduced visibility. Passengers at major railway stations in Amritsar, Ludhiana and Chandigarh reported delays ranging from one to four hours. Airport authorities at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar said that while no major flight cancellations were reported, some early morning arrivals and departures experienced delays as a precautionary measure.
The IMD has attributed the weather conditions to an active western disturbance combined with moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea. Meteorologists explained that this pattern is typical for the region during winter months but has been particularly persistent this season. Night temperatures across Punjab remained close to normal, while daytime temperatures dipped slightly in areas affected by cloud cover and rain.
Farmers across the state are closely monitoring the weather, as light rainfall during this period can be beneficial for rabi crops such as wheat, mustard and barley. Agricultural experts said that while moderate rain is generally favourable, prolonged fog and excess moisture could increase the risk of fungal diseases in standing crops. The Agriculture Department has advised farmers to regularly inspect their fields and take preventive measures if required.
Health officials have also urged people, particularly the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, to take precautions. Dense fog often leads to higher levels of air pollutants near the ground, aggravating breathing difficulties. Doctors advised limiting outdoor activities during early morning hours and using masks where necessary.
The Punjab Police and traffic authorities have intensified patrolling on major roads and highways during fog-prone hours. Public announcements and social media advisories were issued asking commuters to plan their travel carefully and avoid speeding. School authorities in some districts reported lower attendance due to weather conditions, although no official orders for closures or delayed timings were issued.
Looking ahead, the IMD has indicated that fog is likely to persist in isolated pockets over the next two to three days, particularly in central and southern districts of Punjab. Light rainfall may continue intermittently, followed by a gradual improvement in visibility as the western disturbance weakens.
Officials have reiterated that while the weather conditions are seasonal, caution is essential to prevent accidents and disruptions. Residents have been advised to stay updated with official weather bulletins and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
As Punjab navigates another spell of winter weather, the focus remains on ensuring public safety, minimising disruptions and supporting farmers whose livelihoods depend heavily on climatic conditions during the rabi season.