21 Districts Reel Under Cold Wave in Madhya Pradesh as Temperatures Dip Sharply

Digital Desk

A severe cold wave gripped Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, with icy winds and dense fog pushing temperatures well below normal across several regions. The Meteorological Department has issued a cold wave alert for 21 districts, including major urban centres such as Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur, as night temperatures dropped under 10°C in many parts of the state.

The sudden spell intensified over the past 48 hours, with fog disrupting movement and reducing visibility in the evenings, particularly in Bhopal. Officials reported harsh morning conditions in over 15 districts on Tuesday, warning that similar weather is likely to continue for the next two days.

Rajgarh was the coldest district, recording 5.6°C, while Pachmarhi registered 6.4°C. Several other locations, including Umaria (7.6°C), Shivpuri (8°C), Betul (8.7°C), Dhar (8.8°C), and Khandwa (9.4°C), also experienced significant drops. Larger cities reported sharp declines as well, with Indore at 7.7°C and Jabalpur at 9°C.

Bhopal witnessed its coldest November night in 84 years when temperatures slipped to 5.2°C on Sunday–Monday. Senior meteorologist Dr. Divya E. Surendran said clear skies and persistent northern winds were intensifying the cold. “Conditions are ideal for rapid cooling at night, and this pattern is likely to hold,” she said.

The weather has prompted several districts to modify school timings. Authorities in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Khandwa, Shahdol and Sagar delayed morning classes, while in Jabalpur, schools from Nursery to Class 5 will begin after 9 a.m. starting November 19.

The Met Department expects a low-pressure system to form over the southeastern coast on November 22, which may influence central India’s weather. Until then, officials advise residents to avoid early travel, dress warmly, and take extra precautions for children and the elderly as the cold wave continues to tighten its grip on the state.