Residents of Bhopal are experiencing unprecedented weather volatility as November concluded with dramatic temperature swings and December begins with an official cold wave warning. The city witnessed one of its most unstable weather patterns in recent history, with mercury levels performing a rollercoaster ride throughout the month.
Record-Breaking Temperature Swings
According to meteorological data, November 18 marked a historic moment when Bhopal recorded an all-time November low of 5.2 degrees Celsius. This record-breaking temperature demonstrated the intensity of the approaching winter season. However, in a surprising turn of events, the mercury nearly tripled within just one week, reaching 15 degrees Celsius.
The weather drama continued as temperatures halved again in the following week. On Sunday, the city experienced a significant drop to 8.2 degrees Celsius, confirming the unpredictable nature of this year's winter pattern. Meteorological experts have expressed concern over these extreme fluctuations, which are unusual for this time of year.
December Begins With Cold Wave Warning
As December commences, the weather department has issued a cold wave warning for Bhopal on Monday. The temperature has been consistently declining over the past few days, indicating the onset of harsh winter conditions. The first day of December setting this pattern suggests that residents should prepare for challenging weather in the coming days.
Sunday's weather readings provided clear evidence of the cooling trend. The day temperature in Bhopal settled at 26 degrees Celsius, which is three degrees below the normal mark. More significantly, the night temperature dropped to 8.2 degrees Celsius, registering five degrees below the normal average. The nearby area of Naogaon recorded an even lower minimum temperature of 6.5 degrees Celsius.
Weather Forecast and Contributing Factors
The Meteorological Department's forecast for Monday predicts mainly clear skies with hazy weather conditions prevailing throughout the day. The expected day and night temperatures are 26 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius respectively, with an average wind speed of 12 kilometres per hour.
Weather scientists attribute this persistent temperature decline to the continuous blowing of northerly cold winds. These winds are bringing colder air from northern regions, contributing to the sharp drop in mercury levels. The pattern indicates that the cold wave conditions might persist through the early weeks of December.
Local authorities have advised residents, particularly the elderly and children, to take necessary precautions against the cold wave. The dramatic temperature changes between day and night also pose health challenges, requiring adaptive measures from the city's population.
