Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The recent surge in southeastern winds has led to unusually warm weather in Madhya Pradesh, with day temperatures in several cities exceeding 30°C on Thursday. Cities like Jabalpur, Khandwa, and Khargone recorded maximum temperatures of over 31°C, while nighttime temperatures hovered around 16°C.
This trend has persisted for the past six days but is likely to change as a fresh cold wave is anticipated from January 25, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Current Weather Highlights
Mandla recorded the highest day temperature in Madhya Pradesh at 31.5°C on Thursday, followed closely by Khandwa at 31.1°C and Khargone at 31°C. Jabalpur was not far behind, with a maximum temperature of 30.4°C. The unseasonal warmth was a result of southeastern winds prevailing over the region for the past week.
In contrast, Pachmarhi and Gwalior emerged as the coldest areas in the state. While the daytime temperatures in these regions remained lower compared to other cities, Pachmarhi recorded the lowest nighttime temperature at 8.3°C.
Indore experienced relatively warm nights, with the minimum temperature crossing 16°C. Other major cities like Bhopal, Gwalior, and Jabalpur recorded nighttime temperatures of 10.2°C, 12.4°C, and 12.4°C, respectively, reflecting the ongoing deviation from typical winter patterns in the state.
Senior meteorologists at IMD Bhopal, attributed the warmer conditions to a cyclonic circulation and active western disturbances, resulting in southeastern winds. However, a shift to northern winds is expected to bring cooler temperatures, with a potential drop of 2-3°C in both day and night readings.
Jet Stream Activity
Jet stream winds, currently active in northern and western India at speeds of up to 250 km/h, have had minimal impact on Madhya Pradesh. The reduced jet stream activity contributed to the rise in temperatures across the state.
Upcoming Weather Forecast
From January 25, northern winds are expected to bring a cold wave, with temperatures likely to drop significantly across the state. This chill is predicted to last throughout the week, marking a return to typical winter conditions in Madhya Pradesh.