MP Weather News : Dense Fog Engulfs Over 20 Cities in Madhya Pradesh; Cold Day Alert Issued for 5 Districts
Bhopal, January 19 : Madhya Pradesh is currently reeling under the grip of an intense cold wave. The chilling winter in the state is expected to intensify further with increased wind speeds and dense fog likely to persist across various regions over the next three days. On Sunday morning, over 20 districts witnessed moderate to dense fog. The Meteorological Department has issued a cold day alert for five districts—Shajapur, Sehore, Raisen, Ratlam, and Singrauli—warning residents to brace for extreme cold conditions.
Weather Patterns Causing the Chill
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the freezing conditions in Madhya Pradesh are attributed to icy winds and the influence of a Western Disturbance. These weather systems have triggered a noticeable drop in temperatures, resulting in intensified cold conditions across the state. The IMD predicts severe winter conditions to prevail throughout January.
- Affected Areas Today (January 19): Guna, Ashoknagar, Sheopur, Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, Shivpuri, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari are expected to witness dense fog, while Sehore, Raisen, Ratlam, Bhopal, Vidisha, and Rajgarh will experience moderate fog.
- Forecast for January 20: Districts such as Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, and Chhatarpur will remain engulfed in fog.
- January 21 Alert: Dense fog is predicted for Gwalior, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Datia, Bhind, Morena, and Sheopur.
Saturday’s Foggy Spell
On Saturday, 23 districts in Madhya Pradesh experienced foggy conditions. The Gwalior-Chambal region bore the brunt of the fog, with visibility dropping to as low as 50 meters in some places. Wind speeds, driven by the jet stream, reached a staggering 241 km/h, contributing to the biting cold. Several areas reported cold day conditions, with day temperatures plunging below seasonal averages.
Saturday’s Lowest Temperatures:
- Shivpuri: 19°C
- Damoh: 20°C
- Khajuraho: 22.2°C
- Naugaon: 22.5°C
- Narsinghpur: 22.6°C
- Rewa and Pachmarhi: 23°C
Among the major cities:
- Gwalior was the coldest with a daytime temperature of 21°C.
- Bhopal: 25.6°C
- Ujjain: 29°C
- Indore: 27.9°C
- Jabalpur: 25°C
Visibility Challenges and Travel Disruptions
The dense fog has significantly hampered visibility in several districts, particularly in the Gwalior-Chambal belt. Vehicular movement has slowed down, with authorities urging commuters to drive cautiously. Early morning train services and flights in some regions have faced delays due to poor visibility, causing inconvenience to travelers.
What is a Cold Day?
A cold day is declared when the minimum temperature drops significantly, and the maximum temperature is 4.5 to 6.5°C below normal. In many parts of Madhya Pradesh, such conditions have been consistently observed over the past week, leading to the issuance of multiple cold day alerts by the Meteorological Department.
Safety Guidelines Amid Extreme Weather
The administration has issued guidelines to ensure public safety during these extreme conditions:
- Stay Indoors: Avoid unnecessary travel, especially during early mornings and late nights when fog and temperatures are at their worst.
- Dress Warmly: Wear multiple layers of clothing, including woolens, to combat the cold effectively.
- Use Heaters Safely: Ensure proper ventilation while using room heaters to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Drive Safely: Maintain a safe distance and use low-beam headlights while driving in foggy conditions.
- Check on Vulnerable Populations: Special attention should be given to children, the elderly, and individuals with health conditions.
Impact on Agriculture
The extreme weather conditions, while disruptive to daily life, are also impacting agriculture in Madhya Pradesh. Crops like wheat, mustard, and chickpeas, which are in critical growth stages, face challenges due to frost formation in several regions. Farmers have been advised to irrigate their fields and take protective measures to shield crops from frost damage.
Residents React to the Cold Wave
The biting cold and persistent fog have led to adjustments in daily routines. In urban areas, schools have delayed their opening hours, while office-goers are seen bundling up in heavy winter clothing. Local tea stalls and bonfires have become common sights, with people gathering to beat the chill.
One resident of Gwalior remarked, “I can’t remember the last time it was this cold. The fog makes it difficult to even step out of the house.”
In rural areas, the situation is more challenging, with many relying on traditional methods like wood fires to stay warm.
Comparison with Past Winters
Madhya Pradesh has experienced severe winters in the past, but this season’s combination of dense fog, freezing winds, and subnormal temperatures makes it one of the harshest in recent memory. Meteorologists attribute this to stronger-than-usual Western Disturbances and consistent jet stream activity.
Looking Ahead
The Meteorological Department has warned that the intense cold wave and foggy conditions are expected to persist for the next three days. While relief may arrive by the end of January, the current weather patterns indicate a continuation of cold day conditions in many parts of the state.
