Madhya Pradesh is experiencing one of its coldest weather spells in recent memory as frigid winds from snow-covered northern mountains sweep across the state. Mandsaur recorded the lowest temperature at a shivering 2.5 degrees Celsius, while dense fog blanketed over 15 districts on Saturday morning, disrupting daily life and transportation.
The Meteorological Department has issued cold wave alerts for five districts: Shahdol, Anuppur, Umaria, Katni, and Maihar. Residents in these regions are advised to take necessary precautions as the severe cold is expected to persist for the next two to three days.
Senior weather scientist Dr. Divya E. Surendran explained that recent snowfall in the Himalayan regions has triggered this intense cold wave across Madhya Pradesh. The snowy winds traveling southward have caused temperatures to drop dramatically throughout the state. Citizens are feeling the bite of winter more severely than in previous years.
The scientist also noted that a new western disturbance will become active over northwest India from January 19. This weather system could bring cloudy skies and possible rainfall to Madhya Pradesh after January 20 or 21, potentially providing some relief from the dry, biting cold.
Cities Across State Record Low Temps
Beyond Mandsaur’s record-breaking 2.5 degrees, several other cities registered alarmingly low temperatures. Karondi in Katni district recorded 2.7 degrees Celsius, while Shajapur saw the mercury drop to 3.3 degrees. Kalyanpur in Shahdol registered 3.5 degrees, and even Pachmarhi, the state’s only hill station, recorded 3.8 degrees Celsius.
Major cities were not spared from the cold either. Gwalior recorded 5.9 degrees, Bhopal saw 6 degrees, and Indore registered 6.2 degrees Celsius. Jabalpur was comparatively warmer at 8.8 degrees, but still significantly below normal winter temperatures.
The combination of extreme cold and dense fog has severely affected transportation networks across the state. Visibility in Rajgarh dropped to a mere 50 to 200 meters due to thick fog. Other cities including Bhopal, Datia, Gwalior, Satna, Rewa, and Khajuraho reported visibility of just one kilometer.
Train services have been particularly impacted, with trains running late on routes connecting Delhi to Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain. The Malwa Express, Jhelum Express, and Sachkhand Express have experienced maximum delays. Other important trains including Punjab Mail and Janshtabdi are also running behind schedule, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers.
Record-Breaking Winter Season
This winter season has proven exceptional for Madhya Pradesh. November was the coldest in 84 years, while December broke a 25-year record. January is continuing this trend, with Bhopal breaking its 10-year cold record. The persistent cold and dense fog show no signs of immediate relief.
Weather experts explain that December and January are naturally the coldest months in Madhya Pradesh, similar to how July and August are crucial for monsoon rainfall. During these winter months, cold winds from North India penetrate deeper into the state, causing significant temperature drops.
The extreme cold is being driven by jet stream winds flowing at approximately 240 kilometers per hour at an altitude of 12.6 kilometers above sea level. These high-altitude winds act like rivers in the sky, channeling cold air southward across central India.
The western disturbance that became active on January 16 continues to influence weather patterns. As a new system approaches from January 19, residents can expect changing conditions, though severe cold will persist until then.
Temperature and Forecast Data
| City | Temperature (°C) | Weather Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Mandsaur | 2.5 | Severe cold, clear |
| Karondi (Katni) | 2.7 | Cold wave alert |
| Shajapur | 3.3 | Severe cold |
| Kalyanpur (Shahdol) | 3.5 | Cold wave alert |
| Pachmarhi | 3.8 | Cold, light fog |
| Rajgarh | 4.5 | Dense fog |
| Umaria | 5.3 | Cold wave alert |
| Mandla | 5.6 | Moderate cold |
| Rewa | 5.8 | Light fog |
| Gwalior | 5.9 | Moderate fog |
| Bhopal | 6.0 | Light fog |
| Indore | 6.2 | Light fog |
| Ujjain | 7.5 | Light fog |
| Jabalpur | 8.8 | Clear skies |
Residents are urged to stay warm, avoid unnecessary travel during foggy conditions, and monitor weather updates regularly.
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