Winter has tightened its hold on Bhopal, with a fresh cold wave sweeping across the city and other parts of Madhya Pradesh. After a brief period of respite, temperatures have taken a sharp plunge, prompting warnings from meteorological authorities and health officials alike.
Mercury Takes a Nosedive
The regional meteorological department has issued a warning for a cold wave that is expected to grip the city for a day. On Saturday, Bhopal experienced a significant drop in temperature. The day temperature was recorded at 24.6 degrees Celsius, which is three degrees below the normal mark. More strikingly, the night temperature plummeted to 6.9 degrees Celsius, a full six degrees below normal, making it the coldest day recorded in the city this December.
Across the state, Kalyanpur in Shahdol district registered the lowest temperature at a chilling 4 degrees Celsius. The Met office attributes the prevailing dry weather to a western disturbance, currently positioned as a trough along longitude 55 degrees east and latitude 30 degrees north.
Health Risks and Hospital Warnings
The sudden and severe dip in temperatures has coincided with a worrying rise in seasonal illnesses. City health authorities have sounded an alarm over an increase in viral infections, which pose serious risks to vulnerable populations. Hospitals are preparing for a potential surge in patient inflow, primarily due to respiratory infections.
Doctors report that a large number of patients are presenting with viral symptoms, most commonly severe throat infections characterized by pain and swelling. Medical experts emphasize that the combination of cold weather and circulating viruses is particularly dangerous for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Dr. Suneet Tandon, the Medical Superintendent of Hamidia Hospital, advised residents to take necessary precautions. "We are advising people with preexisting medical conditions to take extra precautions during this period," he told TOI. He recommended keeping warm and avoiding frequent changes in temperature, especially for those with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and heart disease.
A Brief Respite Ahead
While the cold wave is expected to be intense, forecasters predict it will be short-lived. The meteorological department has indicated that the severe cold conditions will likely grip the city for about a day, forcing residents to seek warmth around bonfires and under heavy quilts. Thereafter, a marginal rise in temperature is anticipated next week, offering some relief from the biting chill.
For now, the people of Bhopal are bundling up as the city weathers this intense winter spell, with authorities urging caution to stay healthy amidst the cold.
