Madhya Pradesh continues to shiver under severe cold weather and dense fog as a new Western Disturbance builds strength over the western Himalayan region. The weather system, set to become active from January 15, is expected to bring Mavtha conditions to the northern parts of the state within two to three days.
Fog Blankets Multiple Districts
On Monday, several districts across MP experienced moderate to dense fog, significantly reducing visibility. The meteorological department reported fog cover in Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, and Rewa. Cities including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Khajuraho, Guna, Shivpuri, Shajapur, and Sehore also witnessed foggy conditions, though visibility remained between one to two kilometers.
The Gwalior-Chambal region faces particularly harsh conditions as cold winds sweep through from the north. These snowy winds blow directly into the northern districts, pushing minimum temperatures in Gwalior below six degrees Celsius. Neighboring districts like Datia and Sheopur also remain under the grip of bitter cold.
Temperature Records Across State
Kalyanpur in Shahdol district recorded the lowest temperature in the state during Sunday-Monday night, with mercury dropping to 4.8 degrees Celsius. Among major cities, Gwalior emerged as the coldest at 5.6 degrees Celsius. Bhopal recorded nine degrees, while Indore saw 9.6 degrees, Ujjain 9.4 degrees, and Jabalpur 9.8 degrees.
Other districts also witnessed sharp temperature drops. Datia registered 5.4 degrees Celsius, while both Rajgarh and Pachmarhi recorded 5.6 degrees. Mandla saw 5.9 degrees, and Khajuraho reported 6.5 degrees. Most districts across the state remained below the 10-degree mark overnight.
During daytime hours on Monday, Datia remained the coldest with a maximum temperature of just 19.8 degrees Celsius. Gwalior recorded 21.8 degrees, while Pachmarhi saw 21.2 degrees and Naugaon 21.6 degrees.
The combination of severe cold and dense fog has disrupted train services across the state. Trains arriving from Delhi to Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain face significant delays. The Malwa Express has been the most affected, with several trains including Punjab Mail, Janshtabdi, Jhelum, and Sachkhand Express also running behind schedule.
Record-Breaking Winter Season
This winter has broken multiple temperature records across Madhya Pradesh. November 2024 witnessed the coldest temperatures in 84 years, followed by December breaking a 25-year record. January continues this trend, with Bhopal experiencing its coldest temperatures in a decade.
Weather experts explain that December and January typically bring the most severe cold to the state, much like July and August deliver peak monsoon rainfall. These two winter months see maximum cold wind flow from North India, causing sharp temperature drops.
The meteorological department confirms that the Western Disturbance forming over the Himalayas is particularly strong this year. Historical data from the past decade shows January often brings Mavtha conditions when these disturbances activate. Last year, several districts received rainfall during this period. This year began with cloudy skies on New Year’s Day, signaling similar patterns ahead.
Residents of Gwalior, Chambal, Rewa, and Sagar divisions should prepare for continued moderate fog and severe cold in the coming days. The northern regions can expect Mavtha conditions to develop within 48 to 72 hours as the Western Disturbance strengthens.
Current Temperature and Forecast Data
| City | Minimum Temperature (°C) | Weather Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Kalyanpur | 4.8 | Severe cold continues |
| Datia | 5.4 | Cold winds, possible Mavtha |
| Gwalior | 5.6 | Dense fog, severe cold |
| Rajgarh | 5.6 | Cold, foggy conditions |
| Pachmarhi | 5.6 | Moderate fog expected |
| Mandla | 5.9 | Cold winds persist |
| Khajuraho | 6.5 | Fog with cold winds |
| Bhopal | 9.0 | Fog, cold continues |
| Ujjain | 9.4 | Moderate fog likely |
| Indore | 9.6 | Cold with light fog |
| Jabalpur | 9.8 | Cold winds expected |
Authorities advise residents to take precautions against the cold and fog, particularly while traveling during early morning and late evening hours.
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