Madhya Pradesh is bracing for a significant weather change as the India Meteorological Department has issued a rain alert for 28 districts, including major cities like Bhopal and Gwalior. The unexpected rainfall during the winter season will bring temporary relief from the cold, but temperatures are expected to drop sharply again within two days.
The weather department attributes this change to an active cyclonic circulation over Haryana and adjoining areas. A trough passing through the region will impact Madhya Pradesh starting Tuesday for the next two days. Residents can expect cloudy skies and rainfall across large parts of the state.
Two-Day Rain Forecast Across Multiple Districts
On January 27, rain is forecasted in Bhopal, Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Agar-Malwa, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Dewas, Vidisha, Sehore, Harda, Narmadapuram, Narsinghpur, Raisen, Sagar, Damoh, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Satna, and Panna. The following day, January 28, the rain will shift eastward, affecting Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Damoh, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Maihar, Umria, Shahdol, and Katni.
Meteorologists warn that another weather system will become active in northwest India on January 30. This system will likely affect Madhya Pradesh after two to three days, bringing more rainfall in early February. The combination of rain and cold winds will cause temperatures to fall by two to three degrees Celsius across the state. Many cities will see their nighttime temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius once again.
Rajgarh Records Lowest Temperature
The state has already been experiencing severe cold conditions. On the night of January 25-26, Rajgarh recorded the lowest temperature at 6.6 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in the state. Datia and Shivpuri both registered 8 degrees Celsius, while Pachmarhi recorded 8.2 degrees Celsius. Among major cities, Gwalior was the coldest at 7.8 degrees Celsius. Bhopal recorded 11.2 degrees, Indore 12.2 degrees, Ujjain 12 degrees, and Jabalpur 13.6 degrees Celsius.
Dense fog has also disrupted daily life in several districts. Rewa experienced particularly thick fog on Monday, with visibility dropping to just 50 meters. More than 20 districts, including Bhopal, Gwalior, and Ujjain, faced similar foggy conditions.
Weather experts explain that December and January are the coldest months in Madhya Pradesh, similar to how June and July are crucial for monsoon rainfall. During these winter months, cold winds from North India flow into the state, causing significant temperature drops. Data from the last 10 years confirms this pattern.
The occurrence of rain during winter, locally known as “Mavtha,” happens due to the activation of Western Disturbances. Last year, many districts received rainfall during this period. This year started with cloudy conditions on January 1, and now the rain-cloud season has begun again in the final week of January.
Prepare for Changing Conditions
Residents across affected districts should prepare for the changing weather conditions. The rain may provide temporary respite from the dry cold, but the subsequent temperature drop will intensify the cold wave. Farmers should take necessary precautions to protect their crops from the rain and cold. Travelers are advised to check weather updates before planning trips, especially in fog-prone areas.
| City | Night Temperature (°C) | Weather Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Rajgarh | 6.6 | Rain expected, colder conditions |
| Gwalior | 7.8 | Rain on Jan 27-28, fog likely |
| Datia | 8.0 | Rain expected, severe cold returns |
| Shivpuri | 8.0 | Rain on Jan 27, temperature drop |
| Pachmarhi | 8.2 | Cloudy with possible rain |
| Bhopal | 11.2 | Rain alert on Jan 27 |
| Ujjain | 12.0 | Fog and cold conditions |
| Indore | 12.2 | Mild cold, cloudy skies |
| Jabalpur | 13.6 | Moderate cold, possible rain |
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