After a prolonged dry spell, the New Year began on a hopeful note as parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh received much-awaited rainfall on Thursday. The light to moderate showers marked the first winter spell of the year, offering temporary relief from dry harsh winter conditions across the region.According to official weather data, Chandigarh recorded about 13.7 mm of rainfall. In Haryana, Rohtak received around 1.6 mm, while Hisar recorded 0.7 mm and Mahendragarh about 0.6 mm of rain. Several other districts witnessed very light rain, though many areas remained dry.Punjab saw comparatively better rainfall in a few pockets. Ludhiana recorded the highest rainfall at about 4.2 mm, followed by Jalandhar with 2.4 mm and Gurdaspur with around 2.2 mm. Hoshiarpur received 0.8 mm, while districts such as Amritsar, Ferozepur and Mansa did not receive any rain. Meteorological officials attributed the rainfall to the influence of a western disturbance over north India, noting that while overall rainfall remained below normal, it would help improve soil moisture for rabi crops and slightly lower temperatures.Also read | Zero rain, dense fog: How Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh witnessed one of the driest Decembers in recent decadesHowever, the brief spell of rain is set to be followed by severe winter conditions. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, warning of dense to very dense fog, cold wave and cold day conditions over the coming days.Chandigarh is likely to experience very dense fog for nearly five days, leading to severely reduced visibility and disruption to daily life. The orange alert remains in force for Punjab and Haryana for Friday and Saturday, while cold wave conditions are expected to peak on January 3. From January 4 onwards, cold wave conditions are likely to persist at isolated places in both states.In Punjab, cold day and dense fog conditions are expected from January 1 to January 2 across districts including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Bathinda, Patiala and Mohali. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain well below normal, keeping daytime temperatures unusually low.On January 2 and 3, very dense fog is likely over Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib, while a cold wave is expected to engulf most parts of the state, including Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, Barnala, Mansa and Sangrur. The spell is likely to continue on January 3 and 4, with very dense fog over Pathankot, Gurdaspur and Amritsar, and dense fog over southern districts such as Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar and Bathinda.Story continues below this adHaryana is also expected to witness dense to very dense fog during night and morning hours, with the cold wave intensifying and peaking on January 3. From January 4 onwards, cold wave conditions may continue at isolated locations across the state. Chandigarh is expected to remain among the worst-affected areas due to the prolonged spell of very dense fog.Also read | Winter holidays for Punjab schools extended till January 7 amid severe cold and dense fogThe prevailing weather conditions are likely to disrupt road, rail and air traffic, especially during early morning hours due to poor visibility. Health experts have cautioned that prolonged exposure to cold and fog may increase the risk of respiratory problems, asthma-related complications, eye irritation and cold-related illnesses, particularly among children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. There is also a possibility of power line tripping in areas experiencing very dense fog.Authorities have advised people to avoid non-essential travel, drive cautiously using fog lights, remain indoors during extreme cold conditions, ensure proper ventilation while using heating devices, and follow official advisories as the severe winter spell continues across the region.