Cold Wave Set to Intensify in Madhya Pradesh: Rain Expected on January 12

Bhopal, January 6: The second spell of biting cold is set to grip Madhya Pradesh from Tuesday, with temperatures expected to drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius during both day and night. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), light rainfall is also likely in some parts of the state around January 12, triggered by a western disturbance expected to become active in northwest India on January 10. The weather department has issued an orange alert for dense fog in Gwalior and Rewa divisions today.

Cold Wave Expected to Return from January 9

Meteorologists have forecast a significant increase in cold weather conditions starting Tuesday. The current weather system in northern India, caused by an active western disturbance, will push icy winds toward Madhya Pradesh, intensifying the chill across the state. The drop in temperature is likely to result in colder days and nights for the next few days. In response to the cold wave, local administrations in Gwalior and Morena have declared holidays for students up to Class 8, while Bhind has revised school timings to ensure students’ safety.

Fog Warning for Several Cities

The IMD has warned of moderate to dense fog in several districts today, including Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Satna, Maihar, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Neemuch, and Mandsaur. Similar foggy conditions are expected in the same regions on January 7. However, from January 8 onward, fog is likely to subside, though the cold wave will persist.

Temperature Drop Recorded Across Major Cities

Over the weekend, temperatures dipped below 10 degrees Celsius in several parts of Madhya Pradesh. Among major cities, Jabalpur recorded the lowest temperature at 8 degrees Celsius. Other prominent cities, including Gwalior (9.2°C), Bhopal (9.6°C), Indore (12.8°C), and Ujjain (11.5°C), also experienced a significant drop in temperature.

Mandla Freezes at 4 Degrees Celsius

Mandla emerged as the coldest place in the state, with the mercury dipping to 4 degrees Celsius. Other regions also recorded chilling temperatures, including Kalyanpur (4.4°C), Pachmarhi (4.6°C), Malanjkhand (6.3°C), Umaria (6.5°C), Rewa (7.8°C), Chhindwara and Khajuraho (8.4°C), Sidhi and Rajgarh (8.6°C), Satna (9°C), Naugaon and Raisen (9.6°C), Betul (9.7°C), and Tikamgarh (9.8°C). The night temperatures across the state have witnessed a steady decline over the past couple of days.

Rainfall Expected Due to Western Disturbance

The IMD has indicated that a western disturbance will impact northwest India from January 10, leading to possible light rain in parts of Madhya Pradesh around January 12. This weather system is likely to bring further chill, with cold winds and cloud cover dominating the region.

Advisory for Residents

Residents are advised to take necessary precautions during this period of intense cold and dense fog. Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during early mornings and late evenings, when visibility is likely to be at its lowest. Additionally, warm clothing and proper heating arrangements are recommended, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.