Residents across Madhya Pradesh are grappling with a sharp cold wave and reduced visibility due to dense fog, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for several districts over the coming days. While the state capital, Bhopal, is expected to see marginal respite, many other areas continue to shiver under severe conditions.
IMD's Forecast and Weather Systems at Play
The meteorological department has pointed to specific atmospheric patterns driving the current chilly spell. A western disturbance persists as a cyclonic circulation over Jammu and its vicinity, located approximately 3.1 kilometers above mean sea level. Simultaneously, another western disturbance is active over southwest Iran and neighbouring areas, extending up to 5.8 km above sea level.
Further influencing the weather, a strong subtropical westerly jet stream with core wind speeds reaching up to 100 knots is prevailing over north India at an altitude of about 12.6 km. The IMD has forecast that dry weather will continue across the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Temperature Plunge and Affected Districts
Recorded temperatures highlight the intensity of the cold. On Friday, Bhopal's daytime maximum settled at 25.5 degrees Celsius, which is a degree below normal. The night was considerably colder at 6.4 degrees Celsius, marking a significant four-degree drop from the average.
The mercury dipped even lower in other parts of the state. Shivpuri recorded a minimum temperature of just 4 degrees Celsius. The IMD has reported cold wave conditions in Shajapur and Shivpuri, while a severe cold wave prevailed in Indore.
Fog and Visibility Disruptions
Multiple cities experienced foggy conditions, impacting visibility and daily life. The list includes Rewa, Sagar, Datia, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Naogaon. Looking ahead, the IMD has issued specific fog warnings for Saturday:
- Very Dense Fog Warning: Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Sidhi, Rewa, and Chhatarpur.
- Dense Fog Warning: Morena, Singrauli, Mauganj, Satna, Jabalpur, Panna, Tikamgarh, Niwari, and Maihar.
- Moderate Fog Warning: Shivpuri, Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Katni, Damoh, and Sagar.
In addition to the fog alerts, cold wave warnings remain in effect for Rajgarh, Indore, and Shajapur districts.
Outlook for Bhopal
For the state capital on Saturday, the weather office predicts a generally clear sky with the likelihood of haze during the morning hours. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 26 degrees Celsius and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively. The average wind speed is forecast to be approximately 10 kilometres per hour.
The persistent cold wave and fog advisories urge residents, especially commuters and the elderly, to take necessary precautions. The IMD continues to monitor the western disturbances, which will determine the duration of this intense winter phase across central India.
