A strong weather system has formed over Madhya Pradesh due to the combined impact of a cyclonic circulation in northern India, a depression in the Arabian Sea, and a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal. These systems have brought widespread rain and a sharp fall in day temperatures across the state.
On Wednesday, several districts recorded moderate to heavy rainfall. Strong winds swept through Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain, bringing down the maximum temperature below normal. Ujjain recorded a day temperature of 23°C, Bhopal 25.2°C, and Indore 25.1°C. In Jabalpur, the temperature dropped to 28.8°C, while Gwalior recorded 24.6°C.
According to the Meteorological Department, the system will remain active on Thursday, particularly in the eastern and southern districts. Twelve districts — Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Maihar, Umaria, Shahdol, Anuppur, Dindori, Mandla, and Balaghat — are under alert for rainfall ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 inches in the next 24 hours.
Light rain and thunderstorms are also likely in Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Narmadapuram, Betul, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Jabalpur, Katni, and Panna. Wind speeds will remain higher than normal in Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain.
Meteorologists said the effect of Cyclone Montha in the Arabian Sea is also visible in many parts of the state. The storm has increased wind speed and brought cooler conditions. “The cold effect has intensified due to the rise in wind speed,” an official from the Meteorological Department said.
Although the monsoon officially withdrew from Madhya Pradesh on October 13, rain activity continues. Showers are expected to last until November 2, with October 30 likely to see the most intense rainfall.
This year’s monsoon lasted 3 months and 28 days, entering the state on June 16 and ending mid-October. The season brought 15% more rainfall than normal, with very heavy rain recorded in 30 districts, including Bhopal and Gwalior. Guna received the highest rainfall at 65.7 inches, while Sheopur recorded 216.3% of its annual average. Shajapur received the least, at 28.9 inches or 81.1% of normal rainfall.
Experts expect an unusually cold winter this year. “The winter season will begin in November and may continue till February,” said a meteorological officer. “This could be the coldest winter since 2010, with more rainfall than usual during the season.”
The recent weather changes reflect a pattern of climate variation in Madhya Pradesh, which continues to experience erratic rainfall and temperature fluctuations.
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