Madhya Pradesh is experiencing an intense cold wave, with record-low temperatures. Pachmarhi, the state’s only hill station, recorded a chilly 0.2°C, the season’s coldest. In Bhopal, temperatures dropped to 3.6°C, the lowest January temperature in a decade. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cold-day alert for nine districts, with dense fog in nearly 20 districts on Thursday morning, reducing visibility and disrupting daily life.
Madhya Pradesh faces severe cold
The cold wave has intensified due to melting snow in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Icy winds and jet stream speeds of up to 268 km/h have driven down temperatures in Madhya Pradesh. This is January’s second severe cold spell, following a similar phase earlier. The IMD forecasts cold wave conditions for up to 22 days this month, with no immediate relief.
On Thursday, the state recorded a drastic drop in nighttime temperatures and moderate to dense fog. Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, and Shivpuri saw abysmal visibility. The cold has disrupted daily routines, prompting school timing adjustments and efforts to protect animals in zoos and shelters.
The IMD has forecast cold days and occasional rain. On January 9, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Niwari, and Chhatarpur will face severe cold, while Gwalior, Morena, Tikamgarh, and Rewa will be foggy. Drizzles are expected on January 10 in Guna, Ashoknagar, and Sheopur. January 11 and 12 may bring scattered rain to Gwalior, Vidisha, Damoh, and Rewa.
Chilling records across Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal recorded a minimum temperature of 3.6°C, its coldest January night in a decade. Daytime temperatures remained low at 22.4°C. The severe chill has led to changes in school schedules and efforts to protect animals in Van Vihar National Park, with heaters installed in enclosures. Pachmarhi recorded a low of 0.2°C after a 6.8°C drop overnight. Dense fog added to the challenges.
Indore, historically known for extreme cold, recorded 6°C this week. The city’s lowest-ever January temperature was minus 1.1°C in 1935, but this season brought a significant chill. Daytime highs hovered around 24.5°C. In Jabalpur, the mercury dropped to 7°C at night, with dense fog in the mornings. The daytime temperature was 21.2°C, offering some respite from the cold.
Gwalior-Chambal is the coldest region in Madhya Pradesh, with northern winds making conditions harsher. Gwalior recorded a low of 6°C, and a cold wave prevailed throughout the day. The city has experienced temperatures as low as minus 1.1°C in January. Ujjain, also impacted by northern winds, recorded 7°C, with daytime highs around 24.5°C. The city’s historical record is 0°C in January 1962.
This winter has been one of the coldest in decades in Madhya Pradesh. November broke a 36-year-old record in Bhopal, and December’s chill surpassed a 58-year-old record. The cold wave has brought temperatures down to 7°C below normal in major cities. Schools, businesses, and daily activities have been impacted, with residents bundling up to combat the chill.
As the state braces for continued cold, residents are advised to take precautions against the severe weather, particularly during early mornings and late nights.
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