MP weather: Icy winds bring severe Chill, cold wave until Jan 10

Madhya Pradesh is experiencing a severe cold wave for the second time this January, with icy winds bringing temperatures down by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius. Major cities like Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ujjain are experiencing biting cold, with significantly falling daytime temperatures.

Cold wave to dominate for three days

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of intense cold for the next three days. On January 10, a western disturbance is expected to cause cloudy skies, leading to drizzles and light rain in several regions from January 12. Currently, jet stream winds blowing at 250 km/h at 12.5 km amplify the chill.

Temperatures have dropped significantly. Bhopal’s daytime high fell to 21.4°C on Tuesday, a decline of 6.4°C in one day. Gwalior recorded 18.4°C, Indore 22.1°C, and Jabalpur 21.4°C. Night temperatures plummeted, with Pachmarhi the coldest at 7°C. Other cities: Guna and Ratlam at 7.4°C, Tikamgarh at 7.5°C, and Sagar at 8.9°C. Bhopal’s night temperature dipped to 9°C, while Indore and Ujjain recorded 9.3°C and 9.8°C, respectively.

Dense fog has worsened winter woes in Madhya Pradesh. Visibility dropped to 50 meters in Anuppur, Satna, Chhatarpur, and Damoh. Bhopal Airport recorded 250 meters, Guna and Gwalior 200 meters. Tikamgarh, Ujjain, and Narmadapuram had visibility of 500 to 1,000 meters.

Forecast

• January 8: Severe cold wave in Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, and Bhind. Dense to moderate fog expected in Bhopal, Ujjain, Jabalpur, and Chhatarpur.

• January 9: Clear skies, but cold conditions persist.

• January 10: Light rain possible in Gwalior, Morena, Sheopur, and Bhind.

• January 11: Widespread rain likely in Gwalior, Rewa, Satna, and Tikamgarh.

This winter has been unusually harsh. November and December witnessed record-breaking cold in Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal broke a 36-year-old record in November, while December’s chill surpassed a 58-year-old record. Cities like Indore, Ujjain, and Gwalior recorded temperatures 7°C below normal in December. The cold wave lasted nine days, making it one of the coldest Decembers in history.

Schools in Bhopal, Indore, and Gwalior have changed their timings to protect students from the severe cold. Heaters have been installed in Bhopal’s Van Vihar National Park to safeguard animals. Similarly, measures have been taken to keep temples warm to protect idols.

With cold wave conditions expected for three more days and possible rain from January 12, Madhya Pradesh faces extended winter hardships. Residents are advised to take precautions as temperatures may dip before improving after January 10.

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