Thick blankets of fog descended across northern Madhya Pradesh on Friday morning, disrupting daily life as weather continued their downward spiral across the state. Pachmarhi, the state’s only hill station, recorded the coldest temperature at 3.6 degrees Celsius, marking a 0.2-degree drop from the previous night.
The mercury dipped below 4 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive night on Wednesday and Thursday. Dense fog enveloped multiple districts including Gwalior, Rewa, Sagar, and Jabalpur divisions, reducing visibility and forcing residents to huddle around bonfires well into the morning hours.
Western Disturbance to Bring More Severe Cold
The Meteorological Department issued warnings about an incoming western disturbance active in the western Himalayan region on December 27. Officials predict its effects will reach Madhya Pradesh within two to three days, ensuring the new year begins with severe cold conditions across the state.
The weather department warned that dry conditions will persist in coming days, with a strong possibility of dense fog formation. Farmers face concerns about potential frost damage to crops, particularly in areas experiencing the sharpest temperature drops.
The bone-chilling weather has prompted administrative action in several districts. Collector Sanjay Kumar Jain issued a new directive for Mauganj district, where intense cold has persisted for a week. All government and private schools from nursery to class VIII will now start no earlier than 10 am. The district recorded a minimum temperature of 5.8 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 21.8 degrees Celsius on December 25.
Rural Areas Face Harshest Conditions
In Singrauli district, residents gathered around bonfires until 9 am on Friday morning. The temperature hovered around 8 degrees during Thursday-Friday night. Rural areas like Chitrangi Deosar experienced the most severe cold conditions in the district.
In Chhindwara district, a notable temperature difference emerged between urban and rural areas. The urban zone recorded 9 degrees Celsius while rural areas dropped to 7 degrees Celsius. The weather department expects these conditions to persist for at least three more days.
Despite the harsh conditions, some residents ventured outdoors. Around Bhopal’s large pond, morning walkers and young athletes continued their routines, though their numbers appeared diminished. Dew drops froze on trees and plants in several cities including Guna, where the minimum temperature reached 8 degrees Celsius.
Khandwa witnessed a sharp decline within 24 hours. Daytime temperatures fell from 29 degrees Celsius to 27.5 degrees, while nighttime readings slipped from 10 degrees to 9 degrees Celsius. Young people preparing for police recruitment continued running at the stadium despite the frigid morning conditions.
Health Advisory Issued for Vulnerable Groups
The health department in Morena issued an advisory urging people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and respiratory conditions to take extra precautions. Most trains arriving from Delhi ran behind schedule due to weather conditions. Officials noted that while the cold poses health risks, the season promises benefits for wheat and mustard crops.
In Pachmarhi, few tourists emerged from hotels Friday morning as temperatures remained below 4 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days. Light snow layers appeared on tree leaves across the polo ground, airstrip, and park areas. The sun briefly appeared through cloud cover at Dhupalgarh.
Tourist activity continued in Raisen, where visitors climbed the fort hill to witness sunrise views despite freezing conditions. The district recorded a minimum temperature of 6 degrees Celsius this season, though readings showed a slight two-to-three-degree increase over the past two days.
Temperature Across Madhya Pradesh
| City | Minimum Temperature (°C) | Weather Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Pachmarhi | 3.6 | Below 4°C continuing |
| Mauganj | 5.8 | Dense fog expected |
| Dindouri | 6.0 | Temperature drop expected, frost risk |
| Morena | 7.0 | Clear skies, sun expected |
| Chhindwara (Rural) | 7.0 | Conditions continuing 3 days |
| Raisen | 8.0 | Slight temperature increase |
| Singrauli | 8.0 | Cold continuing |
| Ashok Nagar | 8.0 | Sunny during day |
| Guna | 8.0 | Cold continuing |
| Shajapur | 8.8 | Light fog |
| Chhindwara (Urban) | 9.0 | Conditions continuing 3 days |
| Khandwa | 9.0 | Temperature dropping |
| Khargone | 9.0 | Light fog, clearing clouds |
| Jhabua | 10-11 | Cold mornings and evenings |
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