Fog, hail warning as winter rain soaks MP; Begumganj tops chart with 74 mm

 

 

 

The State experienced its first significant spell of winter rainfall this season as widespread showers lashed large parts of the State during the last 24 hours, ending a prolonged dry phase and changing the winter mood noticeably. Rainfall was reported at most places in Bhopal, Gwalior, Chambal and Sagar divisions, at several locations in Rewa, Ujjain and Narmadapuram divisions and at isolated places in Indore and Jabalpur divisions, while a few districts remained dry. The heaviest rainfall was recorded in Raisen district, which received heavy rain. Begumganj topped the chart with 74.2 mm, followed by Gwalior (63.6 mm), Karera (60 mm), Bhind (50 mm), Ghatigaon (49.2 mm), Khurai (39 mm), Orchha (37 mm), Mehgaon (32 mm) and Kumbhraj and Gulabganj with 30 mm each. Several other towns across northern and central Madhya Pradesh recorded rainfall ranging between 20 mm and 29 mm, including Morena, Shivpuri, Sagar, Datia, Ambah, Guna and Shujalpur, indicating a widespread and well-distributed winter shower.

 

City sees a damp morning, high humidity :

 

The State capital Bhopal also witnessed winter rain, marking a change from the largely dry January. While Bhopal city recorded light rainfall (0.0 mm measured at the observatory), surrounding areas such as Gulabganj (30 mm), Berasia (15.4 mm) and nearby Raisen district received significant rainfall, clearly indicating the spread of the system over the region. The city experienced cloudy skies, high humidity levels of 93%, shallow fog during morning hours and cool winds, making the weather feel colder and damp. Bhopal recorded a maximum temperature of 28°C, slightly above normal, while the minimum dipped to around 14°C, adding to the winter chill. The rain was accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across many districts. Shajapur reported strong winds of 83 kmph, followed by Sehore (56 kmph), Sagar (39 kmph), Gwalior (37 kmph) and Bhopal city (28 kmph). Hailstorms were reported from several districts, including Bhind, Morena, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Guna, Shajapur, Sehore, Raisen, Vidisha, Narmadapuram, Sagar, Damoh, Umaria and Maihar, raising concerns for standing crops.

 

Fog and temperature variations: Dense to very dense fog affected northern Madhya Pradesh, with very dense fog in Gwalior and dense fog in districts like Datia, Morena, Rewa, Satna, Chhatarpur and Tikamgarh, reducing visibility during night and early morning hours. Minimum temperatures rose in several divisions due to cloud cover, but cold pockets persisted. Pachmarhi remained the coldest place in the state at 6.2°C, while Mandla recorded the highest maximum temperature of 30.7°C. What’s Next: a brief dry break, then rain again Rainfall activity is expected to continue on January 28, mainly over eastern districts such as Singrauli, Sidhi, Anuppur, Shahdol, Dindori and Mandla. However, January 29 and 30 are likely to remain dry across Madhya Pradesh. Weather models indicate that rain will return on January 31 and continue into February 1, accompanied by cloudiness and fog. Temperatures are expected to fall by 2-3°C over the next two days, intensifying the cold, before gradually rising again. This change in weather is due to an active western disturbance currently influencing north and central India.

 

The system, combined with a long trough extending from southeast Uttar Pradesh to interior Karnataka and strong high-altitude westerly jet winds, helped draw moisture into Madhya Pradesh. Another fresh Western Disturbance is expected from January 30 night, which explains the return of rainfall towards the end of the month. The Indian Metereological Department has issued dense fog, thunderstorm and hail alerts for several parts of Madhya Pradesh following the first widespread winter rainfall. Very dense fog is likely at isolated places in Gwalior, Datia, Bhind and Morena, while dense to moderate fog may affect Bhopal, Rewa, Satna, Chhatarpur, Sagar and adjoining districts, reducing visibility during late night and early morning hours. Thunderstorms with gusty winds to continue, and hailstorms reported earlier could damage crops.