This winter, Shimla saw snowfall earlier than usual. However, some parts of Punjab recorded a freezing 1.1°C, while Shimla was slightly warmer at 2.4°C. What makes this even more surprising is that Punjab has had less winter rain this year compared to last year. Normally, rain helps reduce the dry cold, but with no rain, chilly winds from the Himalayas have made Punjab's cold wave much harsher. Despite the biting cold, afternoon sunshine is offering some respite to residents.
This winter, the cities of Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana East in Punjab are experiencing extremely cold temperatures, even colder than the hill station of Shimla. Despite Shimla witnessing an early snowfall this year, its temperatures are relatively higher, with a minimum of 5°C today. The forecast for Shimla suggests temperatures ranging between 7°C to 17°C on Sunday and dropping further to between 1°C and 4 today, which is expected to drop to 3°C in the coming days. Similarly, Jalandhar’s minimum temperature of 4 degrees is also projected to fall to 3°C soon. Ludhiana East is currently at a minimum of 4°C and is expected to remain at this level in the near future.
What makes this phenomenon more surprising is the lack of rainfall in Punjab this winter season, which has been delayed compared to previous years. Rainfall typically helps moderate the cold by bringing moisture to the plains, but its absence, combined with icy winds from the snow-covered Himalayas, has intensified the chill in Punjab’s cities. This rare and extreme weather underscores the severity of the cold wave gripping Punjab this year.
Weather forecast in the upcoming days
- Amritsar: today on Saturday the minimum temperature is 4°C and the maximum forecasted can range between 22°C. Also in the upcoming days, the temperature is expected to be ranging between 4°C to 22°C on Sunday, 3°C to 21v on Monday, and 3°C to 22°C on the coming Tuesday.
- Jalandhar: Today on Saturday the minimum temperature is 4°C and the maximum forecasted can range between 22°C. Also in the upcoming days, the temperature is expected to be ranging between 4°C to 20°C on Sunday, 3°C to 21°C on Monday, and 3°C to 20°C on the coming Tuesday.
- Ludhiana: Today on Saturday the minimum temperature is 4°C and the maximum forecasted can range between 22°C. Also in the upcoming days, the temperature is expected to be ranging between 4°C to 20°C on Sunday, 3°C to 21°C on Monday, and 3°C to 20°C on the coming Tuesday.