Heavy rain began across Punjab on New Year’s Day, bringing dense fog and a marked drop in temperatures that prompted cold-wave warnings from the meteorological department. The downpour, which was reported early on 1 January, affected urban centres including Jalandhar and Chandigarh and several rural districts, disrupting travel and forcing residents to remain indoors.
Punjab heavy rain prompts cold-wave warning
According to the regional meteorological office, the state is under a weather advisory from 31 December, 2025 to 3 January, 2026. Officials have warned of very dense fog in low-lying areas alongside spells of heavy rain and a cold wave in multiple districts. The alerts cover Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala and SAS Nagar (Mohali).
Visibility is expected to remain poor during early mornings and late evenings, increasing the risk of road accidents and delays on rail routes. Local authorities are monitoring river levels and drainage systems, while advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and to use headlights when driving. Commuters should anticipate delays on highways and at railway stations as services adjust to weather conditions.
Health officials cautioned that the combination of heavy rain and cold winds could exacerbate respiratory ailments and other cold-related illnesses, particularly among elderly people and young children. Citizens were urged to keep warm, avoid prolonged exposure to the cold, and seek medical help if symptoms of hypothermia or respiratory distress emerge.
Punjab’s chief minister extended New Year greetings to residents while also reminding people to follow weather advisories and safety instructions issued by district administrations. Emergency services in several districts have been put on alert to respond swiftly to any weather-related incidents, including flooding, tree falls and traffic collisions.
Farmers and those working outdoors were advised to secure equipment and protect livestock from the cold, and to delay non-essential field work until conditions improve. Authorities also recommended residents clear drains and gutters to reduce the risk of localised flooding as more rain is forecast over the coming days.
Meteorologists say the present weather system is likely to bring intermittent rainfall and colder-than-normal overnight temperatures for the specified period. While the rain may ease in stages, cold winds from the north-west are expected to maintain lower temperatures across the state.
Residents should monitor updates from the State Meteorological Department and local district control rooms. Those planning travel in the next 48 to 72 hours should check the latest situation with transport providers and allow extra time for journeys. With safety measures in place and community awareness, authorities aim to minimise disruption and ensure public safety during the unsettled weather.
Key Takeaways:
- Punjab heavy rain began on New Year’s Day, bringing dense fog and sharply lower temperatures across several districts.
- Meteorological Department has issued alerts from 31 December to 3 January for heavy rain, dense fog and a cold wave in affected areas.
- Districts including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Kapurthala and SAS Nagar may see continued rainfall and reduced visibility, with travel disruptions likely.
- Authorities urge residents to stay indoors where possible, take precautions against the cold wave and follow local advisories.
