Cold wave hits Madhya Pradesh, mercury drops to 7.8°C

A sudden cold wave has hit Madhya Pradesh, significantly dropping temperatures. Cities like Bhopal and Indore are experiencing chilly winds. The temperature drop is due to strong winds at 25 km/h. Weather experts say the cold conditions will last a couple of days.

Temperature drops statewide

This is the first March temperature drop recorded. Major cities in Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, and Jabalpur, have seen a significant fall in day and night temperatures. Bhopal’s temperature dropped to 7.8°C overnight, while the daytime temperature fell by 4.7 degrees to 26.9°C.

Other cities experienced similar changes. Girwar in Shajapur recorded the state’s lowest temperature at 7.5°C. Rajgarh recorded 8°C, Ashok Nagar’s Awari saw 8.2°C, and Neemuch’s Marukheda had 9.1°C. Other districts, including Dhar, Sagar, Sidhi, Ratlam, Khajuraho, and Naugaon, reported a temperature drop.

The Meteorological Department attributed this cold spell to an active Western Disturbance in North India. Snowfall in the northern mountains has resulted in chilly winds across Madhya Pradesh. Cold conditions are expected to persist for two days, with a further drop of 2 to 3 degrees likely.

The cold winds have affected night and day temperatures. Pachmarhi was the coldest place in Madhya Pradesh, with a daytime temperature of 23°C. Bhopal’s temperature dropped to 26.9°C, Indore recorded 28.4°C, Gwalior had a high of 27.9°C, Ujjain recorded 28.5°C, and Jabalpur stood at 27.7°C.

Other cities also saw temperature drops: Betul at 28.2°C, Dhar at 29.3°C, Guna at 27.6°C, Raisen at 27°C, and Ratlam at 29.4°C. Khandwa (34.1°C) and Khargone (34.6°C) recorded slightly higher temperatures.

The weather department predicts another Western Disturbance may become active on March 9, impacting the state’s weather. There’s no immediate rain forecast.

Bhopal’s sky will be clear for the next two days, with winds keeping the temperature around 28-29°C. Similar weather is expected in Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, and Jabalpur. A slight increase in day temperatures may occur by March 7.

Temperature trends

March’s weather has been unpredictable. The first week had hailstorms, rain, and high temperatures. The second week is expected to bring slightly above-normal night temperatures in some divisions, while other regions will see normal temperatures between 15-17°C.

By the third week, night temperatures will rise by 3-4 degrees, reaching 20-23°C in Indore and nearby areas. Day temperatures will rise to 34-38°C. The meeting of Western Disturbance and southeastern winds may cause cloud cover and light drizzle in some parts of the state.

In the fourth week, night temperatures in some areas will reach 22-24°C, while day temperatures will rise to 38-42°C, 3-5 degrees above normal. Some regions might experience a 3-4 day heat wave.

According to the Meteorological Department, April and May will be the hottest months. Temperatures may exceed 45°C in Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar. Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Narmadapuram will also experience high temperatures.

March in Madhya Pradesh has a mix of seasons, with cold nights, warm days, and occasional rain. While temperatures are low, they are expected to rise soon. People should prepare for rapid weather changes as summer approaches.