Dense fog and mist were observed across several regions in Madhya Pradesh on Monday, severely reducing visibility. Following a heavy spell of rainfall, the state is once again in the grip of severe cold.
Day temperatures across most cities on Monday remained below 25 degrees Celsius, with Tikamgarh emerging as the coldest spot at 18 degrees. Other low temperatures included Naugaon at 18.5 degrees, Gwalior and Rewa at 19 degrees, Sidhi at 19.8 degrees, Khajuraho at 20.2 degrees, and Satna at 20.3 degrees. Cities like Shivpuri recorded 21 degrees, Jabalpur 21.6 degrees, and Umaria 22 degrees. Pachmarhi and Malajkhand registered 22.5 degrees, while Sagar recorded the same. Bhopal's temperature stood at 22.6 degrees, and Guna recorded 22.7 degrees Celsius.
The cold conditions were also felt during Sunday and Monday nights, with temperatures dipping further after the rain ceased. A significant drop in day and night temperatures was recorded in many cities over the weekend, with Dhar witnessing a sharp decline of 6.2 degrees on Sunday, recording a daytime high of just 20 degrees.
Meteorologists have warned that the onset of the new year will bring a renewed phase of intense cold across Madhya Pradesh, with icy winds expected to grip the state starting January 1. Ujjain and the Gwalior-Chambal regions are likely to face the most severe impact, with dense fog anticipated in Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions on December 30 and 31.
The recent weather changes, including heavy rainfall and hailstorms across multiple districts, were attributed to the activation of a Western Disturbance and Cyclonic Circulation. Over the past two days, districts such as Bhopal, Morena, Ashoknagar, Neemuch, Shajapur, Betul, Ratlam, Gwalior, Agar-Malwa, Mandsaur, Dewas, Narmadapuram, Sehore, Raisen, Ujjain, Vidisha, Khandwa, Rajgarh, Harda, Indore, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Bhind, Datia, Khargone, Barwani, Guna, Alirajpur, Dhar, Sagar, Panna, Chhatarpur, Damoh, Katni, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Satna, Seoni, and Rewa experienced significant rainfall and hailstorms.
Although the weather cleared up on Sunday, a drop in temperatures was recorded, and fog persisted in many areas. The current weather conditions are expected to remain steady for the next two days, after which the cold is likely to intensify further.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a prolonged cold wave and cold day conditions lasting 20 to 22 days in January. The initial two days of January will see cold wave conditions primarily affecting Gwalior, Chambal, and Ujjain divisions, with the impact gradually spreading across the entire state.
On December 31, foggy conditions are expected in districts such as Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Datia, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Neemuch, and Mandsaur. A cold wave warning has been issued for Neemuch, Mandsaur, Agar-Malwa, Shajapur, Sheopur, and Morena on January 1 and 2, with temperatures expected to plummet further.
The IMD has also urged residents to take precautions during the cold wave, especially in regions under alert, as the harsh conditions could pose health risks to vulnerable populations. The state is bracing for the extended spell of severe winter weather expected to dominate much of January.
