Cold Wave and Dense Fog Grip Punjab & Chandigarh; Bathinda Records Season’s Lowest Temperature

January 12, 2026

Cold wave and fog continue to wreak havoc in Punjab and Chandigarh. Bathinda recorded a minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius, the lowest this season, while the maximum temperature increased by 0.6 degrees Celsius, though this is 4.3 degrees below normal.

Meanwhile, Ludhiana recorded a maximum temperature of 16.5 degrees Celsius. A yellow alert has been issued for dense morning fog in 19 districts and a cold wave alert in eight districts. The weather is expected to remain the same until January 17th. In light of this, the Punjab government has declared a holiday for all private, government, aided, and recognized schools until January 13th.

Meanwhile, the health department has also advised people to avoid the harsh cold and only leave their homes if absolutely necessary. In case of any problems, contact the toll-free medical helpline number 104 immediately.

According to reports, a western disturbance that was circulating in the upper air over northern Pakistan and surrounding areas has weakened. This system was located between 3.1 and 7.6 kilometers above sea level. A new western disturbance is now forming, bringing cold winds .

Due to this, very dense fog is likely to occur in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala, Mohali and Malerkotla today. Cold wave conditions are likely in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa and Patiala. The weather is expected to remain dry.

Minimum temperature less than 6 degrees in 12 districts

The minimum temperature in 12 districts was recorded between 1.6 degrees to 5.8 degrees Celsius. The minimum night temperature in Chandigarh was recorded at 5.0 degrees, Amritsar at 3.2 degrees, Ludhiana at 4.6 degrees and Patiala at 3.8 degrees. Rupnagar, adjoining Himachal Pradesh, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.2 degrees. Dense fog in some areas of Punjab, with visibility recorded at 50 to 199 meters.

Chandigarh Meteorological Department Director Surendra Pal Singh said that the weather is expected to remain dry in the state. There will be no significant change in the minimum temperature over the next 24 hours. After that, the temperature may increase by about 2 degrees Celsius.

January 13 – Dense fog is likely over Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala, SAS Nagar (Mohali), and Malerkotla. The weather is expected to remain dry.

January 14 – Dense fog is likely at isolated places over Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala, SAS Nagar (Mohali), and Malerkotla. The weather is expected to remain dry.

January 15 – Dense fog is likely at isolated places over Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala, SAS Nagar (Mohali), and Malerkotla. The weather is expected to remain dry.