Intense cold conditions have gripped the state after some relief for few days; in Bhopal only once in January the temperature of the night crossed 11 degree in the season so far.
The night temperature crossed 11 degree celsius on January 13. For the first time in 23 years, the minimum temperature was 10 degree celsius or less in the first 16 days of January. For 15 out of 17 days, the night temperature could not rise above 9 degree Celsius.
The lowest night temperature was recorded in Datia and Gwalior at 2.2 and 2.3 degree celsius.
The Gwalior-Chambal division is the coldest in the state. On Tuesday, five districts of the region were in the grip of cold wave where the night temperature was below 5 degree celsius for two consecutive days.
According to the Meteorological Department, the temperature will increase from January 20 due to cloud cover due to the effect of Western Disturbance. Drizzle may occur in some districts of the region on January 22 and 23.
After the cloud cover, the period of severe cold will start again, which will continue till the last week of January.
There will be a drop in temperature from January 26. Compared to western Madhya Pradesh, it will not be so cold in eastern Madhya Pradesh.
Madhya Pradesh can get some relief from the bone-chilling cold after three days.
However, light rain is expected in Gwalior-Chambal division on January 22 and 23. Clouds may prevail in the rest of the state. In such a situation, the third round of severe cold may come at the end of January.