Bhopal, November 12 (Udaipur Kiran) — An unexpected cold wave has gripped Madhya Pradesh much earlier than usual this year, with several cities witnessing record-breaking low temperatures. Normally, the chill sets in by late November, but this time, the state has experienced biting cold conditions since the first week of the month.
Severe cold wave conditions were reported in Bhopal, Indore, Shahdol, and Jabalpur, while Rajgarh, Sehore, Shajapur, Rewa, and Malajkhand also remained under cold wave influence.
Clear skies and dry weather intensify chill
Meteorologists attributed the sharp temperature drop to clear skies and dry atmospheric conditions, allowing heat to escape rapidly at night. As a result, nights and early mornings have turned extremely cold, disrupting daily routines.
On Tuesday night, Rajgarh recorded a minimum of 8°C, while the mercury dropped below 15°C in nearly 30 cities across the state. Bhopal, Indore, and Shahdol reported intense cold wave conditions, with temperatures significantly lower than seasonal averages.
Notably, Bhopal recorded 8°C — its lowest November temperature in the past 10 years, while Indore dipped to 7°C, marking the coldest November night in 25 years.
Early western disturbance triggers cold
According to the Meteorological Centre in Bhopal, Western Disturbances over the Himalayas became active a week earlier than expected. Their effect, carried by north-westerly winds, intensified cold conditions across Madhya Pradesh. A cyclonic western disturbance system over Pakistan and adjoining areas has also contributed to the temperature drop.
Interestingly, temperatures in several Madhya Pradesh cities are now lower than in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, a rare phenomenon for this time of year.
Pachmarhi records sharp day-night contrast
In Pachmarhi, the state’s only hill station, night temperatures remained relatively higher at 13.8°C, but daytime conditions were chilly with a maximum of 23.6°C. Meanwhile, cities like Betul, Dhar, Raisen, Sidhi, and Malajkhand also recorded minimum temperatures below 12°C.
Four-day cold wave alert issued
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a four-day cold wave alert for 23 districts, including Bhopal and Indore. While western Madhya Pradesh has already seen severe cold in the past week, eastern regions — such as Jabalpur, Sagar, Rewa, and Shahdol divisions — are now witnessing a sharp drop in temperature.
Public advised to take precautions
Authorities have urged citizens to take precautions, especially children and the elderly, by wearing warm clothing and avoiding exposure to cold during early mornings and late evenings.
The unseasonal chill has taken residents by surprise, and with the mercury expected to dip further in the coming days, the state is bracing for an extended and harsher winter season this year.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
