Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The biting cold that gripped Madhya Pradesh over the past few weeks has eased off, with temperatures witnessing a noticeable rise. The night temperature increased by 6.9°C in certain areas, notably in Balaghat’s Malanjkhand, where it reached 14.5°C after dipping to extreme lows just days ago. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a further decline in cold conditions in the coming days, with a second wave of intense cold expected post-December 25.
Despite the reduction in severe cold, dense fog continues to impact the northern districts of the state. On Saturday morning, areas like Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, and Damoh experienced heavy fog, reducing visibility significantly.
Coldest December in Decades
This December has shattered long-standing cold records across the state. In Bhopal, December temperatures plummeted to levels not seen in 58 years. A nine-day streak of cold wave conditions brought life to a standstill, prompting changes in school timings and installation of heaters at the Van Vihar National Park to protect animals.
Senior meteorologist at IMD Bhopal explains that the early onset of extreme cold this year was triggered by icy winds from northern plains and hill stations. Western disturbances and jet stream formations further intensified the chill. Traditionally, such cold spells occur in the second week of December; however, this year saw a deviation with severe cold gripping the state in the first fortnight itself.
Temperature Highlights Across the State
For the first time in weeks, all districts recorded night temperatures above 5°C. Key observations from Thursday-Friday night include:
Lowest Temperature: 5.2°C in Khajuraho
Pachmarhi: 6.4°C
Tikamgarh: 6.5°C
Nowgong: 6.6°C
Bhopal: 8.6°C
Gwalior: 8.2°C
Jabalpur: 10°C
Ujjain: 11°C
Indore: 12.2°C
IMD forecasts that the state will witness rising day and night temperatures over the next four days.
Regions like Gwalior, Chambal, Bhopal, Ujjain, and Sagar divisions may see a 3–4°C rise in minimum temperatures.
Indore, Narmadapuram, Rewa, Shahdol, and Jabalpur divisions are expected to experience an increase of 2–3°C.
