Lucknow experienced an abrupt shift in weather on Friday as clear morning skies quickly gave way to cloud cover, dense fog, and biting winds, leaving residents shivering throughout the day. The city recorded its lowest maximum temperature of the winter at 14.6°C, 5.5°C below the seasonal average, classifying the day as a ‘cold day’ according to meteorological standards. The minimum temperature settled at 8.6°C, intensifying the winter chill.
Meteorologists attribute this sudden cold snap to the influence of a western disturbance hovering over Afghanistan, which brought heavy snow and rainfall to the Himalayan region. Cold winds descending from the snow-covered hills merged with additional westerly disturbances causing rainfall in western Uttar Pradesh districts, including Agra, ultimately reaching Lucknow and contributing to the sharp temperature drop.A senior scientist from the state meteorological department explained that the combined effect of these systems, along with an elevated fog layer between 1.5 to 2 kilometres high, trapped sunlight and created conditions for a pronounced cold day. The moisture-laden winds condensed into dense fog, reducing visibility and prolonging the chill across the plains.
Urban climate analysts note that such cold events, while brief, can have notable impacts on city life and infrastructure. Reduced visibility due to elevated fog may disrupt early morning and evening road traffic, increase the risk of vehicular accidents, and affect public transport schedules. The cold winds and moisture-laden air also place added stress on municipal heating, sanitation, and healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.Residents reported feeling unprepared for the sudden drop, as temperatures fell earlier than predicted. Local authorities have advised citizens to exercise caution, maintain warmth, and monitor updates for fog advisories over the weekend. Forecasts suggest that similar cold conditions are likely to persist for the next two days, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to reach 17°C and 10°C, respectively. Dense morning fog is likely on Saturday, clearing by afternoon under sunny skies.
This episode highlights the growing importance of real-time weather monitoring and urban preparedness in inland cities like Lucknow, which are increasingly experiencing abrupt climatic variations due to shifting atmospheric patterns. Urban planners and civic authorities may need to strengthen early warning systems and adapt infrastructure and public services to ensure safety, mobility, and resilience during sudden cold spells.
