Chandigarh, February 3
City residents have already begun putting their heavy woollens away even though there was a slight nip in the air in the evening followed by a comparatively chilly night during the last two days.
According to the meteorological department, the minimum temperature on Wednesday was 6.9 degrees Celsius, about one degree up from Tuesday. The maximum temperature recorded was 21.6 degrees.
"The maximum temperature may increase a bit, making the day slightly warmer. However, we don’t expect the minimum temperature to rise. In fact a strong wind is blowing due to a shift in the weather making the weather colder. The humidity level recorded was between 94 per cent and 46 per cent'' said a met official.
"The cold feeling is expected to be prevalent now. With the northerly wind becoming persistent, the temperature is expected to drop further over the next two days. The minimum temperature will remain at about 14 degrees C," the official added.
With the sun shining brightly air and train services operated normally.
Parvesh Sharma, a resident of Sector 32, said the evenings are slightly colder. "During daytime one can easily go out in a t-shirt but by evenings one has to put on a jacket”.
Though the weatherman says the fluctuation in temperatures is a normal phenomenon, this weather pattern is causing health problems. It has led to a spurt in ailments, especially viral infections, chest congestion, asthma attacks, respiratory distress, cold and cough.
"Small children are the worst affected by the fluctuation in temperatures. Tonsillitis, upper respiratory tract infections, fever, cold and cough and a running nose are some of the problems they are suffering from. If this weird weather pattern continues, children will be badly affected. Parents need to take special care of small babies," said Madhu Duggal, a paediatrician.
Meanwhile, the met office has forecast a mainly clear sky with mist or fog during day and night in the city.
“In view of approaching western disturbances, rain or thundershowers would occur at isolated places in the region in the next 48 hours,” the weatherman said.