Madhya Pradesh is experiencing a brief respite from the bone-chilling cold weather that has gripped the state for weeks. Two cyclonic circulations passing near the state have brought cloud cover to eastern districts, offering temporary relief from the harsh winter conditions. The cloudy weather prevailed across several cities including Bhopal and Narmadapuram on Sunday.
The meteorological department predicts that residents will get relief from intense cold for the next two days. However, this temporary warmth will be followed by light drizzle in some parts of the state after January 22-23. Morning hours will continue to see fog conditions across various districts.
Fog Conditions Vary Across State
Monday morning witnessed moderate fog blanketing Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, and Satna. Meanwhile, more than a dozen districts including Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain experienced light fog. Despite the cloud cover, mercury levels have shown a slight decline in recent days.
The weather department attributes the current cloudy conditions to two cyclonic circulations moving through the upper part of the state. A western disturbance remains active over Pakistan, which is also influencing weather patterns in the region.
Two western disturbances are expected to affect northwest India from the night of January 19 and January 21. These systems will likely impact Madhya Pradesh as well. Weather experts predict that after January 22-23, light rain is possible in some locations across the state.
The combination of cyclonic circulations and western disturbances could bring much-needed moisture to the region. This pattern typically occurs in January when cold winds from North India dominate the weather in Madhya Pradesh.
Kalyanpur Records Lowest Temperature
Kalyanpur in Shahdol district currently holds the distinction of being the coldest place in Madhya Pradesh. The minimum temperature dropped to 3.7 degrees Celsius on Saturday-Sunday night. Other cold spots include Khajuraho at 5.8 degrees, Naugaon-Umaria at 6 degrees, Rewa at 6.4 degrees, Pachmarhi at 6.8 degrees, Mandla at 7.2 degrees, and Malajkhand at 7.6 degrees.
All five major cities in the state recorded temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius. Bhopal registered 11 degrees, while Indore saw 12 degrees. Gwalior recorded 10 degrees, Ujjain reached 13 degrees, and Jabalpur stood at 10.5 degrees Celsius.
Record-Breaking Winter Season
This winter season has proven exceptional for Madhya Pradesh. The November-December period broke long-standing cold records. November was the coldest in 84 years, while December shattered a 25-year record. January continues this trend, with Bhopal experiencing its coldest spell in 10 years.
Weather experts note that sub-zero temperatures have been recorded across the state in January. Severe cold weather persists alongside thick fog in many areas. The current conditions reflect the typical pattern where December and January serve as the coldest months of winter.
Why January Is So Cold
According to weather specialists, December and January are to winter what July and August are to the monsoon season. Just as those two monsoon months bring 60 percent or more of annual rainfall, December and January deliver the most intense cold.
During these months, cold winds from North India flow more frequently into Madhya Pradesh, causing significant temperature drops. Data from the past decade confirms this consistent pattern. January also sees the activation of western disturbances, which bring additional cold conditions and occasional rainfall. Last year, many districts received precipitation during this period.
Current Weather Outlook
| City | Temperature (°C) | Weather Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Kalyanpur | 3.7 | Severe cold, foggy mornings |
| Khajuraho | 5.8 | Very cold, possible drizzle after Jan 22 |
| Naugaon-Umaria | 6.0 | Very cold, cloudy conditions |
| Rewa | 6.4 | Cold, light fog expected |
| Pachmarhi | 6.8 | Cold, cloudy skies |
| Mandla | 7.2 | Cold, fog in mornings |
| Malajkhand | 7.6 | Cold, relief expected in 2 days |
| Gwalior | 10.0 | Moderate cold, moderate fog |
| Jabalpur | 10.5 | Mild cold, cloudy weather |
| Bhopal | 11.0 | Mild cold, light fog, clouds |
| Indore | 12.0 | Mild cold, light fog |
| Ujjain | 13.0 | Comparatively warmer, light fog |
Residents should prepare for continued cold conditions with gradual relief over the next two days before potential light rain arrives after January 22-23.
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