Patiala, Dec. 20 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued a yellow alert for dense fog over the next 48 hours, urging residents to exercise caution while commuting, particularly during early morning and at night hours owing to reduced visibility. Those commuting have been advised to use fog lights and maintain safe distance from other vehicles on the road. "Dense to very dense fog is expected over the next 48 hours. People should take precautions while driving and avoid travel unless necessary. Those commuting should use fog lights and maintain safe distance from other vehicles on the road," said Surinder Pal, director of IMD Chandigarh. The IMD director further noted that Punjab may witness a drop in day temperatures as parts of the state are expected to receive light rain after 48 hours due to Western Disturbance. According to the IMD data, the minimum temperatures across Punjab over the past 24 hours ranged between 4degC and 10degC. Hoshiarpur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 4.8degC, followed by Bathinda and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (SBS Nagar) at 5.2degC each. Gurdaspur recorded a minimum temperature of 6degC. As per MeT officials, very dense fog had been continuously prevailing over the plains of northwest India since December 18, which have affected visibility on highways, rail routes, and at airports, thus disrupting road, rail, and air traffic, particularly during early morning hours. Health experts have also advised people, especially the elderly and those with respiratory ailments, to limit outdoor exposure during peak cold and fog hours....