Parts of Madhya Pradesh got some respite from the severe cold on Sunday with mercury rising due to moisture in the climate, MeT department said. “light showers or thundershowers may occur at isolated places over Jabalpur and Shahdol divisions and Khandwa and Khargone districts while the weather is going to remain dry over rest of Madhya Pradesh in next 24 hours,” India Meteorological Department's Bhopal spokesman GD Mishra said.
Shallow fog might engulf isolated places over Chambal and Jabalpur divisions, and Gwalior, Datia, Tikamgarh, Chhattarpur, Shahdol and Umaria districts in next 24 hours, he said. Minimum temperature soared on Sunday to 11.6 from 7.4 degree Celsius in Bhopal, he said. But Damoh and Umaria districts shivered with mercury dipping to 2.5 d and 3.1 deg Celsius respectively, he added.
Besides, Indore recorded a minimum temperature of 11.9 deg C, Jabalpur 6.2 deg C and Gwalior 5.5 deg C.
Many parts of State have been witnessing drop in minimum temperatures since last few days. This has led to cold wave conditions over the state. In fact, one or two places of East Madhya Pradesh have recorded freezing temperatures namely Umaria and Damoh which recorded 1.9°C and 0.2°C, respectively, thus recording season’s lowest minimums. The reason for this significant drop in night temperatures can be attributed to the dry and cold winds blowing from Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh across the northern plains reaching up to State.
At present, a cyclonic circulation is marked over Punjab and adjoining areas. Due to the development of this system, the flow of icy cold winds from the north has been obstructed. Now easterly-southeasterly winds, which are relatively warm and humid in nature will once again hover over many parts of state. These winds will increase the minimums and thus abating cold wave conditions from the region. Comparatively, West Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a significant increase in temperatures than the other parts.
Temperatures are expected to further rise marginally over these aforementioned areas. With this, we can say that the severe winter chill which was prevailing since last 4 to 5 days has taken a leave from the region.