Punjab (Gurpreet Singh): A noticeable chill is beginning to take hold across Punjab, with temperatures steadily falling and weather experts predicting a colder-than-usual winter ahead. The latest reports from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) show that the state experienced a 0.7°C temperature dip in the last 24 hours alone, pushing current readings nearly 2°C below average for this time of year.
Although daytime temperatures still linger above 30°C in many regions, the overall trend points to a consistent cooling pattern. Bathinda recorded the state’s highest temperature at 34.2°C, while cities like Ludhiana, Patiala, and Fazilka also hovered above the 31°C mark. Meanwhile, Amritsar and Pathankot registered slightly lower highs at 30.9°C.
Despite these relatively warm daytime readings, meteorologists say the current temperatures are unseasonably low and signal an early onset of winter conditions. “The decline may seem mild, but it’s significant for mid-October,” an official from the IMD stated. “We are expecting colder weather to settle in faster this year.”
Dry Conditions to Persist; No Rain in Forecast
According to the forecast, Punjab is unlikely to receive any rainfall over the coming week. The dry spell is expected to continue as both day and night temperatures inch downward.
Maximum temperatures in northern and eastern districts are projected to stay between 28–30°C, while the central and southern regions may see slightly higher peaks at 30–32°C. These figures remain under the typical range for October, strengthening the outlook for a cooler season ahead.
Minimum temperatures are also trending lower, particularly in areas like Amritsar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Rupnagar, where nighttime lows could fall to between 12–14°C. Other parts of the state are expected to experience minimums in the 14–16°C range.
Week Ahead: Cooler Days, Chilly Nights
From October 17 to 23, weather conditions across Punjab are expected to remain dry, with further declines in temperature. The southwestern belt of the state may see daytime highs between 32–34°C, while central and southeastern districts will range from 30–32°C. Northeastern areas could drop as low as 28–30°C during the day.
Night temperatures during this period are forecasted to remain normal to slightly below average, reinforcing predictions of an early and colder winter. Fog formation is also likely to become more frequent, particularly in the northern districts, potentially impacting visibility during morning hours.
Residents Advised to Prepare for Early Winter
With conditions pointing toward a sharper dip in temperatures over the next few weeks, residents are being urged to take early precautions—especially the elderly, children, and those with respiratory concerns. The cold, dry air and potential for early fog may pose health risks as Punjab transitions into winter.
All indicators suggest that the winter of 2025 will be more intense than recent years, and the early signs are already making themselves felt across the state. As Punjab heads deeper into October, the chill in the air is only expected to grow stronger.
