Dense fog blanketed many districts across Madhya Pradesh on Sunday morning, marking a sharp return of winter weather conditions after a brief respite. The Meteorological Department has issued rain and thunderstorm alerts for half the state over the next two days, warning residents to prepare for changing weather patterns.
A strong Western Disturbance affecting northwest India on January 26 is now moving toward Madhya Pradesh. This weather system brings wind and clouds from the west, typically causing snowfall in mountainous regions and rainfall in plains. The phenomenon explains the sudden shift in weather conditions across the state.
Two cyclonic circulations are currently active over northern India, accompanied by a low-pressure area and trough activity. These systems combined to produce rainfall in Gwalior-Chambal districts within the last 24 hours. Cloud cover has dominated many areas, with strong winds reported in over ten districts including Chhatarpur and Ratlam.
Unexpected Rainfall Hits Narsinghpur
Late Saturday evening, the Salichoka area of Narsinghpur district experienced heavy rainfall lasting 20 to 25 minutes. The sudden downpour caught residents off guard, creating slippery road conditions that made travel difficult for two-wheelers and pedestrians. The incident serves as an early indicator of the weather activity expected in coming days.
The Meteorological Department has identified specific districts likely to receive rainfall on January 27 and 28. Monday’s forecast includes Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Agar-Malwa, Neemuch, Mandsaur, and Ratlam.
Tuesday’s rainfall is expected to shift eastward, affecting Jabalpur, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Maihar, Shahdol, Umria, Katni, Damoh, Sagar, Narsinghpur, Vidisha, and Raisen.
Saturday morning saw light to moderate fog in 22 districts including Bhopal, Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Agar-Malwa, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Sagar, Shajapur, Sehore, Raisen, and Niwari. Datia experienced the thickest fog, while Bhopal and Naugaon reported significantly reduced visibility. The weather department predicts light to moderate fog will continue for the next two mornings, though severe cold conditions are not expected.
Temperature Drops Across Major Cities
Mandsaur emerged as the coldest city Friday night, recording a minimum temperature of 7.3 degrees Celsius. Other notably cold areas included Rajgarh at 7.4 degrees, Marukheda in Neemuch at 7.9 degrees, and both Kalyanpur and Pachmarhi at 8.2 degrees Celsius.
Saturday brought dramatic daytime temperature drops, particularly in the Gwalior-Chambal division. Gwalior recorded just 18.6 degrees Celsius, a nine-degree drop in a single day. Khajuraho saw temperatures fall eight degrees to reach 21.4 degrees Celsius.
According to meteorological data, December and January are historically the coldest months in Madhya Pradesh. Cold winds from North India flow more freely during this period, creating significant temperature drops. The past decade’s weather patterns confirm this trend, with January frequently experiencing mavtha—unseasonal rainfall caused by Western Disturbance activation.
Last year, many districts received January rainfall. This year began with cloudy conditions on New Year’s Day, and the rain-cloud season has now resumed in the final week of January.
Current Temperature and Forecast Table
| City | Minimum Temperature (°C) | Maximum Temperature (°C) | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandsaur | 7.3 | — | Rain expected Jan 27 |
| Rajgarh | 7.4 | — | Rain expected Jan 27 |
| Bhopal | 12.5 | 23.1 | Rain expected Jan 27, fog |
| Indore | 12.2 | 22.0 | Rain expected Jan 27 |
| Gwalior | 13.3 | 20.0 | Rain expected Jan 27, fog |
| Ujjain | 12.8 | 21.5 | Rain expected Jan 27 |
| Jabalpur | 15.3 | — | Rain expected Jan 28 |
| Pachmarhi | 8.2 | — | Cold winds continuing |
| Guna | — | 18.7 | Rain expected Jan 27 |
| Khajuraho | — | 21.4 | Rain expected Jan 27 |
Residents should prepare for continued foggy mornings and potential rainfall over the next 48 hours as winter reasserts its grip on Madhya Pradesh.
Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.
Keep Reading
Small Wild Cats in Big Trouble: India’s First National Report Released
After Tragedy, Families Face Delays in Tiger Attack Compensation
Stay connected with Ground Report for underreported environmental stories.
