A severe cold wave sweeping across northern India has now firmly gripped Madhya Pradesh, sending temperatures plunging to their lowest levels this winter season. The minimum temperature in the state dropped to a frigid 4.6 degrees Celsius, matching conditions not seen in over a decade.
Four Cities Record Sub-5 Degree Temperatures
The biting cold affected multiple cities across MP on Thursday night, with four major urban centers recording temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius. Kalyanpur in Shahdol district emerged as the coldest location, registering the season’s lowest temperature of 4.6 degrees. Close behind were Shajapur at 4.7 degrees, Karondi in Katni at 4.7 degrees, and Mandsaur at 4.8 degrees.
Shajapur experienced official cold wave conditions, meeting the meteorological criteria for this weather phenomenon. The cold wave designation indicates temperatures significantly below normal levels for an extended period.
Jet Stream Winds Fuel the Deep Freeze
The meteorological department attributes the intensifying cold to powerful jet stream winds racing across the region. These high-altitude winds are traveling at approximately 232 kilometers per hour at an elevation of 12.6 kilometers above sea level. Weather experts describe these jet streams as rivers flowing through the sky, and their influence is creating the current frigid conditions across Madhya Pradesh.
The impact varies significantly across different regions of the state. Gwalior-Chambal, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions face the most severe conditions. These areas are also battling moderate to dense fog, which has reduced visibility dramatically and disrupted daily life.
Indore Coldest Among Major Cities
Among the state’s five major cities, Indore recorded the coldest temperature at 6.8 degrees Celsius. Bhopal registered 8 degrees, while Gwalior shivered at 7.4 degrees. Ujjain and Jabalpur recorded 9 degrees and 9.8 degrees respectively. All five cities saw their mercury dip below 10 degrees Celsius.
Friday morning brought another challenge as dense fog blanketed Gwalior-Chambal and surrounding areas. The thick fog particularly affected Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, and Rewa. Moderate fog conditions also persisted in Bhopal, Guna, Indore, Ujjain, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Jabalpur, Sagar, Shajapur, Sehore, and Raisen districts.
Transportation Severely Disrupted by Dense Fog
The fog has caused significant transportation disruptions. Trains traveling from Delhi to Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain are running behind schedule. The Malwa, Jhelum, and Sachkhand Express trains face the maximum delays. Additionally, Punjab Mail, Janshtabdi, and approximately a dozen other trains have experienced scheduling problems due to reduced visibility.
Winter 2024-25 Breaks Multiple Records
This winter season has broken multiple records across Madhya Pradesh. November was the coldest in 84 years, followed by December breaking a 25-year temperature record. January continues this trend, with Bhopal experiencing its coldest conditions in 10 years.
Weather experts explain that December and January function as the peak cold months for Madhya Pradesh, similar to how July and August dominate the monsoon season. During these two months, cold winds from northern India sweep across the state more frequently and intensely, causing sharp temperature drops.
Relief Expected After January 20
However, some relief may arrive soon. A Western Disturbance that was active since January 16 has now moved forward. Meteorologists predict a new Western Disturbance could affect northwest India starting January 19. If this weather system gains strength, Madhya Pradesh might experience cloudy skies and rainfall after January 20.
Last January saw substantial rainfall in many districts when a Western Disturbance became active. This year began with overcast conditions on New Year’s Day, hinting at similar patterns.
Temperature Records Across MP Cities
| City | Minimum Temperature (°C) | Weather Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Kalyanpur (Shahdol) | 4.6 | Cold wave, clear skies |
| Shajapur | 4.7 | Cold wave conditions |
| Karondi (Katni) | 4.7 | Severe cold |
| Mandsaur | 4.8 | Severe cold |
| Rajgarh | 5.5 | Very cold |
| Rewa | 6.2 | Cold with fog |
| Datia | 6.6 | Cold with fog |
| Pachmarhi | 6.8 | Cold |
| Indore | 6.8 | Coldest major city |
| Gwalior | 7.4 | Dense fog |
| Bhopal | 8.0 | Moderate fog |
| Ujjain | 9.0 | Moderate fog |
| Jabalpur | 9.8 | Cold conditions |
Residents across Madhya Pradesh continue bracing for frigid conditions while hoping the predicted weather change brings warmer temperatures soon.
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