Cold wave conditions gripped the State on Saturday as temperatures dropped sharply and dry weather continued in all parts of the State. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that a severe cold wave was felt in Bhopal, Rajgarh, Indore and Shajapur, while cold wave conditions prevailed in Sehore and Rewa districts. No rainfall was reported anywhere in the state during the past 24 hours.

 

Day temperatures fell by about 2°C in Shahdol division and stayed almost unchanged elsewhere. Maximum temperatures were 3°C to 3.4°C below normal in Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior and Chambal divisions, and slightly below normal in Bhopal, Narmadapuram, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar divisions.

 

The highest temperature in the State was 31.1°C in Narmadapuram, while Pachmarhi was the coolest during the day at 24.6°C. Night temperatures dropped sharply by 2°C to 3.6°C in several divisions including Bhopal, Ujjain, Rewa, Jabalpur and Sagar. The lowest temperature in the State was recorded at 7.4°C in Rajgarh and Girwar (Shajapur), while Seoni remained the warmest at 17.2°C.

 

The IMD said that cold and dry winds from the northwest are blowing across Madhya Pradesh, bringing down temperatures further, especially in eastern districts. Another 1°C to 2°C fall in minimum temperatures is likely over the next 24 hours. In Bhopal, the weather stayed clear but cold, especially in the morning hours.

 

The city recorded a maximum temperature of 28.8°C, which was 2°C below normal, and a minimum of 8.4°C, nearly 8°C below normal. Humidity stood at 66%, and light winds were blowing at a speed of 8-10 km per hour. No rain was recorded. The forecast for Sunday suggests clear skies and cool weather, with temperatures likely to remain around 28°C during the day and 9°C at night. Farmers have been advised to continue land preparation and sowing of wheat, gram and mustard crops, as conditions remain favourable across the State.