Madhya Pradesh Weather Update : Rain Alert Issued For Half Of Madhya Pradesh: Weather To Change In 34 Districts, Cold Wave Likely To Follow
Bhopal, January 15 . Madhya Pradesh is poised to experience a significant change in weather over the next two days, with the meteorological department forecasting rain in almost half of the state, including key cities such as Bhopal, Indore, and Gwalior. This will be the third time in January that unseasonal rainfall, locally known as Mawtha, is likely to occur. Alongside light rain, thunderstorms are expected in some areas, while parts of the state may witness dense fog. A new cold wave is set to sweep the region starting January 17, bringing back biting winter chills.
Western Disturbance to Affect Weather Patterns
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a western disturbance active over northern India will impact the weather in Madhya Pradesh on January 15 and 16. As the disturbance passes, it will pave the way for colder conditions. Another western disturbance is expected to arrive by January 18, bringing with it icy winds and a significant drop in temperature. On Tuesday, strong jet stream winds with speeds reaching 203 km/h were observed, signaling imminent weather changes.
Weather Forecast for Key Districts
On Wednesday, several districts are likely to experience scattered rain showers and overcast skies. The list includes major urban centers such as Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Gwalior, as well as smaller districts like Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, and Nivadi. The forecast suggests varying intensity of rainfall in different regions:
- Light rain likely in:
Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Rajgarh, Agar Malwa, Shajapur, Sehore, Harda, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Khargone, Dhar, and Ratlam. - Thunderstorm activity expected in:
Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Sheopur, and parts of Neemuch and Mandsaur districts. - Fog to prevail in:
Satna, Rewa, Maihar, Mauganj, Sidhi, and Singrauli districts.
On January 16, rainfall is likely to spread to additional regions, covering cities such as Panna, Katni, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, and Chhindwara. By January 17, clear skies are expected to return, but the mercury is likely to plummet, intensifying the cold across the state.
Sharp Drop in Temperatures Recorded
Several parts of Madhya Pradesh experienced a significant dip in nighttime temperatures on Tuesday. Bhopal recorded a minimum temperature of 5.4°C, while Jabalpur noted 6.6°C, Gwalior 8.4°C, Ujjain 8.5°C, and Indore 9.6°C. Sehore emerged as the coldest location, with the mercury plunging to a chilling 3.2°C.
Nearby areas such as Girwar in Shajapur district recorded 3.9°C, Rajgarh 4.6°C, and Pachmarhi 4.7°C. In regions like Naogaon and Kalyanpur, the temperature dropped to around 5°C. Other districts, including Satna, Maihar, Rewa, and Umaria, also witnessed similar chilly conditions accompanied by dense fog.
Advisories for Farmers and Residents
The weather department has issued specific advisories for farmers and the general public. Given the likelihood of rain and thunderstorms, farmers have been advised to take precautions to protect their crops. This includes delaying irrigation and ensuring harvested produce is stored securely.
Residents, especially those in the affected districts, are urged to stay updated with weather reports and take necessary steps to guard against the cold. Wearing warm clothing, staying indoors during peak cold hours, and maintaining proper hygiene are essential to prevent seasonal illnesses such as colds and respiratory infections.
Cold Wave Expected Post-Rainfall
As soon as the western disturbance passes, cold northerly winds are expected to intensify. From January 17 onwards, a fresh cold wave will grip the state. Experts predict that temperatures may drop below 5°C in several regions, leading to frost in some parts of northern and western Madhya Pradesh. Residents are advised to prepare for harsher winter conditions and stay vigilant, especially during nighttime.
