Residents of Indore woke up to a biting chill on Tuesday morning as the city witnessed a dramatic and sudden drop in night temperatures. The mercury took a sharp dive, bringing back intense winter conditions after a brief period of gradual warming.
Sharp Dip in Mercury Grips the City
The minimum temperature recorded between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning fell to a chilly 6.4 degrees Celsius. This reading is nearly four degrees below the seasonal normal and marks a significant drop of 2.4 degrees from the previous night. Within a 24-hour period leading up to Tuesday, the temperature fell by 2.5 degrees, signaling a rapid change in weather patterns.
The cold returned with a vengeance starting Monday evening, catching many off guard. After several days of slowly rising temperatures, the sudden reversal left people shivering through the early hours. The daytime provided little respite, with Tuesday's maximum temperature settling at 26.4 degrees Celsius, which is also one degree below the average for this time of year.
Cause and the Forecasted Deep Freeze
Weather officials have attributed this sudden cold wave to chilly winds moving southwards from northern India, where several regions are experiencing snowfall. These gusty easterly and north-easterly winds, blowing at speeds of up to 19 km/h, carried frigid air into the central plains, including Indore, causing the temperature trend to reverse abruptly.
The weather department has issued a warning that the cold spell is likely to persist and even intensify. From Friday onwards, temperatures are expected to fall further. Forecasts indicate that night-time lows could drop by an additional 4 to 5 degrees in the coming days. While daytime warmth might offer brief relief, the persistent influx of cold northern winds will ensure the chill remains.
Health Advisory for Residents
With the winter season entering a harsher phase, authorities have advised citizens to take necessary precautions. The sudden change in temperature can adversely affect health, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with existing conditions.
Key recommendations include:
- Wearing adequate warm clothing, especially during the early morning and late night hours.
- Taking special care of vulnerable groups.
- Being mindful of the significant temperature fluctuation between day and night.
The cold was distinctly felt across Indore, with many residents reporting a noticeable nip in the air by Monday evening itself. As the city braces for even colder nights ahead, staying warm and vigilant is the need of the hour.
