Residents of Bhopal experienced cooler than usual temperatures on Wednesday, even as the mercury climbed slightly from the previous day's intense chill. The city's weather unfolded against a backdrop of widespread fog and cold wave conditions across numerous districts of Madhya Pradesh, prompting alerts from the meteorological department.
Weather Systems Influencing North and Central India
The prevailing weather pattern was shaped by significant atmospheric disturbances. A key factor was a western disturbance, which manifested as a cyclonic circulation situated over Jammu and nearby areas at an altitude ranging from 3.1 to 5.8 kilometers above mean sea level. Concurrently, a powerful subtropical westerly jet stream, boasting core wind speeds of 240 kilometers per hour at about 12.6 kilometers above sea level, held sway over northern India. This jet stream was instrumental in maintaining dry weather conditions across all districts of the state.
Bhopal's Temperature Dip and Statewide Chill
In the capital city, the maximum daytime temperature settled at 23.4 degrees Celsius, marking a reading one degree below the seasonal normal. The night brought more chill, with the minimum temperature recorded at 8.4 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees below normal. This was notably higher than Tuesday's severe minimum of 3.8 degrees Celsius.
The state's lowest temperature was reported from Kalyanpur in Shahdol district, where the mercury plunged to a biting 2.7 degrees Celsius. Official warnings highlighted that cold wave conditions were in effect in Umaria and Kalyanpur. Meanwhile, diverse intensities of fog enveloped several regions:
- Dense fog blanketed Satna and Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district.
- Moderate fog affected Gwalior, Guna, Rewa, and Datia.
- Shallow fog was observed in Rajgarh, Sidhi, and Naogaon districts.
Forecast and Warnings for Thursday
For Thursday, the forecast for Bhopal predicts mainly clear skies with the possibility of shallow morning fog. The expected temperatures are a high of 22 degrees Celsius during the day and a low of 9 degrees Celsius at night, with average wind speeds around 10 kilometers per hour.
The meteorological department has issued extensive warnings for the state. Districts including Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, Anuppur, Panna, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, and Maihar are on alert for dense fog. Moderate fog is likely in Rajgarh, Agar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, and Sheopur. Furthermore, cold wave conditions are expected to persist in Shahdol and Umaria districts, advising residents to take necessary precautions against the cold.
