Madhya Pradesh Shivers Under Icy Winds: Cold-Day Alert Issued for 7 Districts
Bhopal, January 18: Madhya Pradesh continues to grapple with a severe cold wave as icy winds and dense fog tighten their grip across the state. On Friday, 18 districts experienced cold-day conditions, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold-day alert for Bhopal, Sagar, and five other districts on Saturday. The weather department predicts that the frigid conditions, accompanied by moderate to dense fog, will persist over the next three days, with the entire state bracing for an exceptionally cold January.
Thick Fog and Reduced Visibility
Dense fog blanketed parts of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday morning, significantly reducing visibility in several areas:
- Narmadapuram, Ashoknagar, and Tikamgarh: Residents reported biting cold due to thick fog.
- Sendhwa: Witnessed the season’s second densest fog, with visibility dropping to just 10 meters.
- Ashoknagar: Visibility reduced to 50 meters, forcing commuters to drive with headlights on even during daylight.
The ongoing chill is attributed to the flow of northerly winds, which have led to a sharp drop in temperatures. IMD warns that the impact of the cold wave will intensify in the coming days as wind speeds increase.
Friday’s Cold-Day Conditions
On Friday, 18 cities, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, and Jabalpur, recorded cold-day conditions, with daytime temperatures falling below 23°C. The strong jet stream winds, clocking speeds of 287 km/h, combined with a western disturbance, amplified the cold wave’s effects.
Temperatures Across Major Cities
- Bhopal: 19°C
- Indore: 21.2°C
- Gwalior: 20.3°C
- Ujjain: 20.5°C
- Jabalpur: 20.8°C
- Raisen: Recorded the lowest temperature at 18.8°C.
Other notable temperature readings included Shivpuri (19.2°C), Rewa (20.6°C), Damoh (20.8°C), and Khajuraho (22.2°C).
Upcoming Weather Forecast
IMD has outlined specific weather alerts for the coming days:
- January 19: Dense fog will cover Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Sagar, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Maihar, Mauganj, Sidhi, and Singrauli.
- January 20: Gwalior, Morena, Sheopur, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, and Sagar will remain under foggy conditions.
Impact on Daily Life
The severe cold wave has disrupted routine activities across Madhya Pradesh:
- Transportation: Reduced visibility has made commuting challenging, especially during early morning hours.
- Education: Schools for students up to Grade 8 have been shut in districts like Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Sagar to protect children from the harsh cold.
Tourism Boost in Hill Stations
Despite the chilling weather, fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh has attracted tourists, bringing a similar trend to hill stations in Madhya Pradesh. Destinations like Pachmarhi and Amarkantak are witnessing an uptick in tourist activity, providing a boost to local businesses.
Precautionary Measures
IMD has advised residents to take the following precautions:
- Travel Safely: Avoid unnecessary travel during foggy hours; use fog lights and maintain slow speeds.
- Stay Warm: Ensure proper heating and warm clothing, particularly for children and the elderly.
- Monitor Weather Updates: Stay tuned to IMD advisories for timely alerts and guidance.
