Dense Fog, Cold Wave Grip Punjab–Chandigarh; Rain Likely From Jan 31 as Western Disturbance Intensifies

January 29, 2026

Chandigarh: The effects of snowfall in the mountainous regions are clearly visible in the plains. Punjab and Chandigarh are currently experiencing severe cold. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for dense fog and cold wave today (Thursday).

The maximum temperature increased by 3.6 degrees, but it is still 1.7 degrees below normal. The lowest minimum temperature of 3.7 degrees was recorded in Amritsar. However, there is no forecast of rain today.

Cold wave likely in four districts

According to the Meteorological Department, cold wave conditions are likely to prevail at isolated places in Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda, and Mansa today. Dense fog is also likely at isolated places in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala, Mohali, and Malerkotla.

Visibility reduced to 40 metres in Chandigarh.

According to the Meteorological Department, dense fog covered Punjab and Chandigarh on Wednesday, significantly reducing visibility. Visibility was recorded at 40 meters in Chandigarh, 50 meters in Bathinda, 150 meters in Faridkot, and 190 meters in Ludhiana. This caused significant inconvenience to residents. Cold wave conditions were also observed in Amritsar and Faridkot.

Western disturbance active in the mountains

A western disturbance is active over Jammu and surrounding areas, causing cyclonic winds. This system is located approximately 3 to 4.5 kilometers above the ground and is associated with high-altitude winds.

High-altitude winds, reaching speeds of around 130 knots, are blowing over North India. Another new weather system is expected to arrive over northwest India on the night of January 30th. This will cause changes in the weather in the coming days, with colder weather expected, and rain in some areas or even snowfall in the mountains.

Chances of rain again from January 31

According to Surendra Pal, Director of the Meteorological Department, light to moderate rain is expected in many areas of the state on February 1st. Isolated light rain is possible on January 31st and February 3rd. Rain is also expected in some areas of the state on February 2nd. Night temperatures are expected to drop by 2 to 4 degrees over the next two days. After this, temperatures are expected to gradually increase by 3 to 5 degrees.

How will the weather be in the next three days…

January 30: Severe cold is likely at isolated places in Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda, and Mansa. Dense fog is likely at isolated places in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, SAS Nagar (Mohali), and Malerkotla. The weather is expected to remain dry, meaning there will be no rain.

January 31: Light to moderate rain is likely at some places in Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr and Rupnagar.

February 1: Rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph are likely at isolated places in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Patiala, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, and Fatehgarh Sahib, while rain is likely at many places in the state.