Jalandhar is still seeing relatively warm conditions, but the city is entering the period when morning mist and shallow fog can gradually become more noticeable. The key question for residents and commuters is when the first significant fog episode of the 2026-27 winter season could arrive.
For now, there is no immediate fog warning for Punjab. The India Meteorological Department’s September 29 bulletin has listed Punjab under “No Warning” from September 30 to October 5.
However, weather observations from last October show that fog-related conditions can begin much earlier than the peak winter season.
Jalandhar saw mist from the start of October last year
Historical observations for Jalandhar show haze and mist on October 1, 2025, with similar conditions continuing through much of the first half of the month. Shallow fog was recorded on October 19 and 20, appeared again from October 26, and fog was recorded on October 30.
This suggests that while dense winter fog is still some distance away, the transition from clear mornings to mist and shallow fog can begin during October.
Phagwara saw its first fog on October 5 last year
A regional example came even earlier.
On October 5, 2025, Phagwara experienced the season’s first fog. The Tribune reported that visibility was reduced enough for commuters to use vehicle headlights, while the temperature was around 21°C at 6 am.
The episode shows that early-season fog does not necessarily require temperatures close to winter levels. Moisture, overnight cooling and light winds can also play an important role.
That does not mean Jalandhar will see fog on October 5 this year. The current IMD warning bulletin does not indicate such an event.
Dense fog came much later in Jalandhar
The picture changes significantly when it comes to dense winter fog.
On December 17, 2025, Jalandhar witnessed what The Tribune reported as the season’s first dense fog. At around 8 am, visibility fell to approximately 15 metres, slowing traffic considerably. The fog began thinning after 9 am, while sunshine appeared around 10:30 am.
IMD warnings issued that day also placed Jalandhar under a yellow alert for dense fog, while several other Punjab districts were under orange alerts for very dense fog.
Historical weather observations also show repeated fog and shallow-fog conditions across Jalandhar through December 2025.
What actually triggers fog?
Fog does not depend on temperature alone. It generally requires enough moisture near the ground, cooling of the surface overnight and relatively light winds.
When moisture-laden air cools sufficiently, water vapour can condense into tiny droplets close to the ground, reducing visibility.
This is why early-season mist can occur even when daytime temperatures remain comparatively high.
What Jalandhar residents should watch
Over the next few weeks, several indicators will be useful:
Night temperatures: A sustained fall can increase fog potential.
Morning humidity: More moisture can support fog formation.
Wind speed: Calm or light winds are generally more favourable.
Recent rainfall: Moisture can contribute to fog formation.
Overnight skies: Clear conditions can promote stronger surface cooling.
Sunrise visibility: Reduced visibility during early morning hours can be an early sign of changing conditions.
So, when could Jalandhar see its first dense fog?
There is currently no IMD indication of an imminent dense-fog episode in Jalandhar. The official outlook available on September 29 shows no warning for Punjab through October 5.
Last year’s observations suggest that mist can appear from early October, shallow fog becomes more noticeable around the second half of the month, while serious dense fog arrived in Jalandhar much later, on December 17.
So for now, October is more about watching the transition than expecting winter-like dense fog. The real visibility concern is likely to emerge later as nights become colder and atmospheric conditions become more favourable for persistent fog.
