Bhopal's Christmas Day celebrations were perfectly complemented by a sharp winter chill and a foggy morning, creating an ideal festive atmosphere. The city's minimum temperature plunged to 8.4 degrees Celsius, setting the stage for unbridled merry-making as the year winds to a close.
Met Forecast: Colder Days and a Western Disturbance
The regional meteorological office has forecast that the sharp December chill will not only prevail but also deepen as we move into the new year. Adding a complex layer to the forecast, the Met noted that a subtropical westerly jet stream with core winds of about 260 kmph at an altitude of 12.6 km is prevailing over northeast India.
Furthermore, a fresh, feeble western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from December 27 onwards. However, under its influence, all districts in Madhya Pradesh are expected to experience dry weather conditions.
Temperature Dip and Foggy Conditions Across the State
On Thursday, Bhopal recorded a maximum day temperature of 23.7 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees below normal. The night temperature of 8.4 degrees Celsius was also two degrees below the normal mark.
The hill station of Pachmarhi, a popular year-end destination, was the coldest spot in the region, with the mercury dropping to a shivering 3.6 degrees Celsius. Heavy fog was reported in several districts including Chhatarpur, Datia, and Mandla.
For Friday, the weather office has forecast clear skies for Bhopal, barring the morning haze. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 25 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius respectively, with an average wind speed of ten kilometers per hour.
Extensive Fog Warning Issued for Multiple Districts
The Met department has issued a significant fog warning for numerous districts across Madhya Pradesh for Friday. The alert covers a wide swath including:
- Gwalior, Datia, Bhind
- Satna, Shahdol, Umaria, Katni
- Panna, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Maihar
- Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, and Chhatarpur
Residents and travelers in these areas are advised to exercise caution due to reduced visibility.
Air Quality Concerns Amidst Festive Cheer
While the chilly weather brought cheer to Christmas and year-end revellers, it also raised concerns about air quality. The Met office pegged the overall air quality in Bhopal as close to the 'poor' category.
Although significantly better than the air quality in the national capital and the northern plains, the conditions could pose breathing discomfort for individuals with asthma, lung, or heart diseases. According to a detailed AQI breakdown, Bhopal fared the worst among four cities monitored on both AQI and pollution scores, casting a shadow on the otherwise perfect festive weather.
