Post-rain, chill grips State; mercury dips to 4.6°C

 

 

 

A sharp dip in temperatures was recorded across the State following recent rainfall and the influence of western weather systems, with the lowest minimum temperature dropping to 4.6°C at Mandsaur. The post-rain cooling has intensified winter conditions across several parts of the State. Cold day conditions prevailed in Girvar area of Shajapur district. Dense fog was reported from Gwalior, while moderate fog affected Rewa and Datia districts. Shallow fog was observed in several districts including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram, Rajgarh, Satna and Khajuraho, reducing early morning visibility. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the fall in temperatures is closely linked to moisture-laden conditions and synoptic weather systems, including a fresh western disturbance seen as a cyclonic circulation over northeast Iran and the continued prevalence of a strong Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream over the region. These systems have enhanced cold northerly winds and increased atmospheric moisture, leading to a noticeable fall in both day and night temperatures across Madhya Pradesh.

 

In the last 24 hours, maximum temperatures dipped sharply by 6.3°C to 7.6°C in districts of Shahdol and Sagar divisions. Bhopal, Ujjain and Rewa divisions witnessed an appreciable drop of 2.5°C to 3.4°C, while other divisions reported no significant change. Day temperatures remained 3.5°C to 4.4°C below normal in Ujjain, Gwalior, Shahdol and Sagar divisions, and around 3°C below normal in Chambal division, reflecting the widespread cooling effect. Night temperatures also showed a significant decline. Minimum temperatures dropped by 4.4°C in Chambal division, while districts in Bhopal, Narmadapuram, Gwalior and Rewa divisions recorded a fall of 2.3°C to 2.8°C. However, a few regions such as Shahdol, Rewa and Sagar divisions reported minimum temperatures above normal due to residual cloud cover. Among major centres, Mandsaur emerged as the coldest location with 4.6°C, followed by Pachmarhi (5.8°C) and Marukheda (7.5°C). Kalyanpur in Shahdol district recorded the highest minimum temperature at 16.3°C.

 

For daytime temperatures, Gwalior recorded the lowest maximum at 16.2°C, while Khandwa topped the chart with a maximum of 31.1°C, the highest in the State. On the rainfall front, light rainfall was recorded at isolated places in Jabalpur division, with Tendukheda in Narsinghpur district receiving 3 mm, while the rest of the State remained dry during the past 24 hours. The rainfall, though limited, contributed to increased surface moisture and enhanced the cooling effect. In Bhopal, the sky remained mainly clear, but shallow to moderate fog was observed during the early morning hours following the recent weather activity. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 23.3°C, 2.7°C below normal, while the minimum temperature dropped to 11°C, a significant 8.6°C below normal. High humidity levels persisted, with morning humidity touching 96 per cent, intensifying the chill despite dry conditions.

 

No rainfall was recorded in the city in the last 24 hours. Winds blew at a speed of 10-12 kmph. The IMD has forecast no major change in temperatures during the next 24 hours, followed by a gradual rise of 2–3°C over the subsequent three days. However, fog is likely to continue at isolated places, and commuters have been advised to exercise caution during early morning and late-night travel due to reduced visibility. Rainfall activity will remain inactive over the State on January 29 and 30, with no rain alert issued during this period.