Gurdaspur, November 24, 2025 : Due to the absence of even a single spell of rainfall since the beginning of winter, the region is experiencing dry cold, which has increased people’s difficulties. The fluctuation in temperature, rising pollution, and lack of moisture in the air are adversely affecting people’s health. Children, the elderly, and those already suffering from illnesses are the most affected. The dry cold has become the biggest problem right now. With dust and other polluted particles mixing in the air, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 128.
Big difference in day-night temperature, humidity drops
According to the Meteorological Department, the current daytime temperature in the region is 24°C and the nighttime temperature is 8°C. The humidity level is around 29%. The large temperature difference and low moisture are making the air even drier, leading to a sharp rise in cases of sore throat, cough, cold, and viral fever.
Doctors say that during this dry cold season, cases of asthma, allergies, sinus issues, dry eyes, and skin-related problems may increase. Many people are suffering more from viral fever and throat infections. Doctors advise wearing a mask when stepping outside, drinking warm water instead of cold, avoiding dust and pollution, protecting children and the elderly from morning cold, asthma and allergy patients to keep their medicines handy, and using a steamer or humidifier indoors to maintain moisture.
Pollution rising toward dangerous levels
Due to the lack of rain, dust, smoke, and pollutant particles are continuously increasing in the air. Normally, rain helps settle these particles on the ground, but the prolonged dry weather this time has made pollution worse. The region’s AQI has been recorded at 128, which falls in the unhealthy category. This is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and patients with heart and lung issues.
Experts classify AQI as follows:
0–50: Completely safe
51–100: Minor issues for sensitive groups
101–150: Children, elderly, and asthma patients are most affected
151–200: Even healthy people face breathing difficulty
201–300: Severe health problems
300+: Extremely dangerous; stepping outside becomes risky
Increase in hospital patients
Government and private hospitals are seeing a continuous rise in patients suffering from fever and throat-related issues. According to the health department, cases of cough and cold have increased significantly in the past 10–15 days. Doctors say that poor air quality is causing these patients to be affected more severely. According to the Meteorological Department, there is little chance of significant rainfall in the coming days. With icy winds blowing from the mountains, the temperature may drop another 2–3 degrees, worsening the dry cold.
Summary:
Experts warn that increasing dry cold and rising pollution levels have created toxic air conditions, significantly endangering public health and increasing risks for children, elderly, and patients.