A significant change in weather patterns across the State has led to a sharp dip in day temperatures, with the Ujjain and Bhopal divisions witnessing a marked cooling trend following light to moderate rainfall over the last three days. According to the Meteorological Centre, Bhopal, the state recorded a mix of rain and gusty winds, triggered by a subtropical westerly jet stream prevailing over North India. Ujjain division bore the brunt of the cooling trend, where maximum temperatures plummeted by a staggering 6.4°C, settling at nearly 9.1°C below the normal mark. Similarly, districts in the Bhopal and Indore divisions saw an appreciable drop in day temperatures ranging between 2.1°C and 2.6°C. In contrast, the Chambal division experienced a rise in temperature by 3.0°C.

 

The rainfall distribution remained varied across the State. While Ujjain division saw rain at many places, Bhopal recorded showers at a few locations. Isolated rainfall was also reported in Indore, Jabalpur, and Sagar divisions. Khachrod recorded the highest rainfall at 21.0 mm, followed by Khargone (15.6 mm) and Nagda (15.2 mm). Bhopal city and the Nabibagh area recorded 1.9 mm and 1.8 mm of rain respectively. The weather was also accompanied by gusty winds, with speeds reaching up to 37 km/h in Agar and 33 km/h at the Indore airport.

 

In terms of temperature extremes, Rajgarh recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 9.6°C, while Mandla remained the warmest with a maximum of 33.2°C. For the state capital, the maximum temperature was recorded at 22.2°C, which is a significant 7.8°C below normal for this time of year. The Met Department has predicted a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 3-5°C over the next 24 hours as the system clears.

 

For the next 24 hours, the sky in Bhopal is expected to remain partly cloudy with temperatures hovering around 28°C (Max) and 14°C (Min). Rainfall or drizzle is likely at isolated places in the eastern districts, including Singrauli, Sidhi, Anuppur, and Shahdol, while the rest of the state is expected to remain dry. Health experts have advised residents to wear layered clothing to counter sudden temperature variations, which may affect the elderly and children. Farmers have been specifically cautioned about a potential increase in aphid infestations in mustard and radish crops due to the recent cloudy weather. The IMD suggests a spray of Imidacloprid if infestation crosses economic thresholds and recommends starting preparations for summer crops like moong, groundnut, and soybean.