A harsh grip of winter continues to affect the State as cold wave conditions prevailed in several parts of Madhya Pradesh. Residents of the State capital are waking up to chilly mornings and cold nights, including on January 10, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 27.6°C and a minimum of 7.2°C, while morning humidity stayed at 93 percent, resulting in haze and mist across the city. Light winds of 8-10 kmph have added to the cold feel during early hours. The Meteorological Department predicts clear skies with haze or mist continuing until the morning of 11 January, with temperatures expected to remain steady in Bhopal. Meanwhile across the State, Khajuraho (Chhatarpur) recorded the lowest temperature at 3.6°C, followed closely by Shivpuri at 4.0°C, Rajgarh at 4.4°C, Kalyanpur (Shahdol) and Datia at 4.6°C, and Nowgong at 5.0°C.

 

On the warmer side, Khandwa recorded the highest maximum at 30.1°C, while Narmadapuram registered 29.8°C, Vidisha 28.9°C, Berasia (Bhopal) 28.6°C, and Bhairunda (Sehore) 28.3°C. Maximum temperatures over the past 24 hours were appreciably below normal by 3.9°C in Chambal division, below normal by 2.9°C in Gwalior division, slightly above normal by 1.9–2.3°C in Bhopal and Narmadapuram divisions, and normal elsewhere. Minimum temperatures were below normal by 1.6–2.2°C in Bhopal and Gwalior divisions, while remaining near normal in other regions. Cold wave conditions were reported in Khajuraho and Shivpuri, while Prithvipur (Niwari) and Datia experienced a “cold day.”

 

Moderate fog was observed in Gwalior, and isolated dense fog is expected in Morena, Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, and Panna, potentially reducing visibility on roads, railways, and at airports. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during dense fog, drive cautiously, and use low-beam headlights by IMD, Bhopal. The current synoptic situation shows a Western Disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining Punjab at 3.1-4.5 km above mean sea level, accompanied by a trough in middle tropospheric westerlies along longitude 71°E north of latitude 30°N. An induced upper air cyclonic circulation over Haryana at 1.5 km above mean sea level persists. Additionally, the subtropical westerly jet stream with core winds of around 252 kmph at 12.6 km above mean sea level continues to dominate northwest India.

 

The 84-Year Milestone The state capital of Madhya Pradesh has etched a new chapter in its climatic history. In a startling weather event, Bhopal has recorded its lowest November temperature in 84 years, signaling a dramatic shift in Central India’s winter patterns. According to official data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the current 2024-25 and ongoing 2025-26 winter seasons have outperformed nearly a century of winter data. The most significant highlight of this season occurred on November 16, 2024, when the mercury in Bhopal dropped to 5.2°C. Meteorologists confirm that this is the lowest temperature recorded for the month since the previous record of 6.1°C on November 30, 1941.

 

While 5.2°C is a record for November, IMD archives remind us of the city’s absolute extreme: a bone-chilling 0.6°C recorded on January 18, 1935, which remains the all-time lowest minimum. Considering the intensity of the cold wave, the Meteorological Department has issued safety guidelines for residents to protect against the cold wave, including covering the head, neck, fingers, and toes, wearing adequate winter clothing such as gloves, caps, mufflers, and waterresistant shoes, and minimising outdoor exposure. People should also watch for signs of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia or frostbite, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms appear. Farmers are advised to take preventive measures for both crops and livestock.

 

Crops should be protected from excess moisture and possible diseases due to prolonged fog, and livestock should be housed in warm shelters with dry bedding. Animals should receive lukewarm water and energy-rich feed such as jaggery, oil cakes, and grains. Rabi crop sowing should be completed early, with proper field levelling, moisture management, and monitoring for pests and diseases. Fertilisers should be applied according to crop stage and soil requirements, while fields should be kept weed-free. Deworming of calves, clean water, green fodder, and protection against cold for livestock are also recommended.