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Icy winds from the mountains have caused a cold wave in Madhya Pradesh, with temperatures dropping to 6°C in some areas. For the past four days, cities have faced severe cold, with plummeting night temperatures. Relief is expected soon, as temperatures likely to rise by 2-3 degrees in the coming days. Meteorologists predict a shift towards warmer weather after March 15.
The Meteorological Department reports the state is facing cold northern winds. Cities like Rajgarh, Shajapur, Umaria, Mandla, Naugaon, and Malajkhand have recorded low temperatures. Kalyanpur in Shahdol recorded 6.2°C, while Girwar in Shajapur saw 7.9°C. Naugaon, Umaria, Pachmarhi, and Mandla reported 8°C, while Bhopal recorded 10.5°C. Indore, Gwalior, and Ujjain experienced chilly nights with temperatures between 11°C and 13°C.
Weather Outlook and No Rain Forecast
Senior meteorologist Dr. Divya E. Surendran stated that mild cold conditions will persist for the next week, with clear skies and no rain. A new Western Disturbance may become active in the Western Himalayan region from March 9, which could affect the state's weather in the following days. Despite this, no rainfall is expected.
March 8: Day temperatures in Bhopal and other cities may rise by 2-3 degrees. March 9: Both day and night temperatures will continue to increase, with no rain.
The first week of March saw hailstorms, rain, and fluctuating temperatures. Some areas faced warm weather, while others recorded severe cold and a cold wave. In the second week, night temperatures are expected to rise by 2-3 degrees above normal in Indore, Ujjain, and Narmadapuram divisions. In Bhopal, Jabalpur, Sagar, Rewa, and Gwalior, night temperatures will remain around 15-17°C. Meanwhile, maximum temperatures will be slightly above normal, ranging between 31-34°C.
In the third week, strengthening north-western winds will raise minimum temperatures by 3-4 degrees, reaching 20-23°C in Indore and 19-21°C elsewhere. Maximum temperatures will rise to 34-38°C statewide. Some eastern and southern regions may have cloud cover, with occasional drizzles and thunderstorms due to Western Disturbance and southeastern winds.
By the fourth week, night temperatures will range between 22-26°C, while maximum temperatures could reach 38-42°C. Regions like Jabalpur, Shahdol, and Narmadapuram may see light rain. Towards late March, heat waves could affect Gwalior, Chambal, Indore, Ujjain, and other districts.
Hotter months ahead
The Meteorological Department forecasted extreme heat in April and May, with temperatures possibly exceeding 45°C in Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions. Other divisions, including Bhopal and Indore, will also experience rising temperatures.
Over the past decade, Madhya Pradesh has experienced all three March seasons: cold nights, hot days, and occasional rain. This year is expected to follow a similar pattern, with maximum temperatures potentially exceeding 40°C in Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain, while nighttime temperatures remain between 10-17°C. Gwalior experiences drastic temperature shifts, with nights dropping to 8°C and intense daytime heat.
As March progresses, residents should prepare for rising temperatures and intensifying summer conditions in the coming weeks.
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