Severe cold conditions continued to prevail across Madhya Pradesh as temperatures dropped to near-freezing levels in several parts of the state. Pachmarhi recorded the lowest temperature at 0.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Rajgarh at 1.6 degrees Celsius, Girvar in Shajapur at 2 degrees Celsius, Sehore at 2.7 degrees Celsius, and Bhopal at 3.6 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night.
For the second time this January, the state has experienced an intense cold wave, with icy winds causing day and night temperatures to drop by 2 to 3 degrees across major cities, including Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ujjain. According to the Meteorological Department, severe cold conditions are expected to persist for the next three days, with cloudy skies and light drizzle anticipated from January 10. Rain is likely in several cities on January 12.
The increased activity of a Western Disturbance over North India has intensified the impact of cold winds in Madhya Pradesh. On Tuesday, jet stream winds blew at a speed of 250 km per hour at an altitude of 12.5 km, significantly affecting the state's weather. Cold winds are expected to maintain their grip over the region on January 8, 9, and 10. Half of the state is likely to experience fog on Wednesday, while cold wave conditions will continue to affect districts in the Gwalior-Chambal and Sagar divisions.
The melting of snow in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh has also contributed to the increased wind speed and cold conditions. The Meteorological Department predicts that January will remain cold, with the cold wave potentially lasting for 20 to 22 days. After a severe cold spell in the first week of January, the state is now experiencing a second phase of harsh winter conditions.
Dense fog has been reported in Gwalior, Bhind, North Chhatarpur, and Mauganj districts, while shallow fog prevailed in Morena, Datia, Nivari, South Chhatarpur, Damoh, Katni, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Sidhi, Umaria, Shahdol, Singrauli, Jabalpur, Mandla, Anuppur, and North Dindori districts. Minimum visibility of 100 meters was recorded at Gwalior Airport.
The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of cold wave and cold day conditions at isolated places in Rajgarh district, along with cold wave alerts for Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Narmadapuram, Betul, and Shajapur districts. Dense fog is expected in Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, and Morena districts, while moderate fog and cold day conditions are forecast for Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Nivari districts. Cold day conditions are also likely in Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, with shallow fog predicted in Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Dindori, Katni, and Maihar districts.
