Change in Wind Direction Brings Moisture and Mild Rains Across Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal, October 18 (Daily Kiran): A shift in wind direction and rising atmospheric moisture have altered weather conditions across Madhya Pradesh. On Friday, several parts of eastern and southern Madhya Pradesh witnessed cloudy skies with light rainfall in some areas.

According to the Meteorological Department, a cyclonic circulation is active over the southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep region, which may develop into a low-pressure area near the Kerala and Karnataka coasts by Saturday. It is likely to intensify further over the next two days.

Due to the change in wind patterns, night temperatures have slightly increased across most cities, remaining above 20°C on Thursday and Friday. Only Nowgaon in Chhatarpur recorded a minimum temperature of 15°C. Day temperatures have also risen marginally, with Ujjain, Indore, Gwalior, and Khajuraho recording highs between 33°C and 34°C.

Senior meteorologist H.S. Pandey said light drizzle is expected on Saturday in parts of Bhopal and Indore divisions. In the past 24 hours, light rain was recorded in several areas of Bhopal, Indore, Narmadapuram, Ujjain, and Jabalpur divisions. Due to moisture, cloudy conditions are likely to persist over southeastern and southwestern Madhya Pradesh.

Weather expert Ajay Shukla noted that easterly winds mixed with intermittent southern winds are increasing humidity, forming clouds, and influencing local weather. This pattern may continue for about a week.

For Saturday, the weather office has predicted light drizzle and cloudy skies in Barwani, Khargone, Khandwa, and Burhanpur districts of Indore division, while clear skies and sunshine are expected over most other districts, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Ujjain, and Jabalpur.

Meteorologists expect the winter season to begin in full swing by November and continue until late January, with a noticeable chill extending even into February. Experts believe this could be the coldest winter since 2010, with above-normal rainfall likely due to recurring western disturbances over northwestern India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also confirmed the development of La Niña conditions, which may further intensify the cold.

Monsoon Withdraws from Entire Madhya Pradesh

The Meteorological Department has declared the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from the entire state. This year, the monsoon remained active for three months and 28 days—entering on June 16 and retreating on October 13. Despite the withdrawal, some areas may continue to experience light, scattered showers.

This year’s monsoon proved beneficial for the state, with 30 districts, including Bhopal and Gwalior, receiving above-normal rainfall. Guna recorded the highest rainfall at 65.7 inches, while Sheopur saw 216.3 percent excess rain. Experts noted that this has improved groundwater levels and irrigation capacity across the state. However, Shajapur recorded the lowest rainfall—28.9 inches (81.1%)—placing it in the category of rainfall-deficient districts.