Residents of Bhopal experienced a noticeable rise in daytime warmth on Thursday, even as the chill persisted after dark. The meteorological department has flagged concerns over dense fog and cold wave conditions affecting multiple districts across Madhya Pradesh.
Temperature Swings and Meteorological Drivers
The maximum temperature in Bhopal was recorded at 27.2 degrees Celsius, which is three degrees above the normal mark for this time of year. This provided a welcome break from the winter cold during the day. However, the night told a different story, with the minimum temperature settling at 9.0 degrees Celsius, a degree below normal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the weather patterns to a western disturbance, manifesting as an upper air cyclonic circulation over north Punjab and neighbouring areas at approximately 3.1 km above mean sea level. Furthermore, a powerful subtropical westerly jet stream with core winds reaching 260 kmph at 12.6 km above sea level is prevailing over north India. Despite these systems, the forecast for Madhya Pradesh indicates predominantly dry weather.
Fog and Cold Wave Grips Several Districts
While Bhopal saw some warmth, other parts of the state grappled with severe winter conditions. Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district recorded a biting low of 3.2 degrees Celsius. Official observations confirmed a cold wave in Shahdol and Chhatarpur.
The fog scenario was particularly intense. Very dense fog enveloped Gwalior and Datia districts. Dense fog was reported in Chhatarpur (Khajuraho), Rewa, and Satna. Additionally, shallow fog affected Ratlam, Sidhi, and parts of Chhatarpur.
Forecast and Warnings for Friday
For Bhopal on Friday, the IMD predicts a clear sky with hazy conditions. The day temperature is expected to be around 25 degrees Celsius, and the night temperature near 10 degrees Celsius, with an average wind speed of ten kilometres per hour.
The state-wide forecast, however, carries multiple warnings. A combined alert for dense fog, cold wave, and cold day has been issued for Chhatarpur. Districts including Datia, Rewa, Mauganj, Tikamgarh, and Niwari are under a dense fog and cold day warning.
The following districts have a dense fog warning: Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Satna, and Panna. A moderate fog warning is in place for Shivpuri, Singrauli, Sidhi, and Maihar. Separately, a cold wave warning continues for Shahdol district.
Authorities advise commuters travelling through these regions to exercise extreme caution due to reduced visibility and to take necessary precautions against the cold.
