Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): State is witnessing extreme cold this December, making it colder than January.
For the ninth consecutive day, a cold wave alert remains active in 20 districts, including Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Sehore. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported severe dips in temperature across cities.
On Monday night, Pachmarhi recorded the coldest temperature at 1.9°C, while Kalyanpur in Shahdol followed at 2.3°C. In Bhopal, Mandla, Shajapur’s Girwar, and Umaria, the mercury dropped to 3°C–3.3°C. Sehore recorded 3.9°C. Major cities like Gwalior and Jabalpur saw temperatures around 5°C, while Indore remained comparatively higher at 9.6°C.
Bhopal broke its 58-year-old December record as the temperature hit 3.3°C on Sunday-Monday night. If it dips 0.3°C further, a new all-time record will be set. In response to the intense cold, school timings have been changed in Bhopal, Gwalior, and Indore to protect children. Additionally, Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal has installed heaters and sealed windows to keep animals warm.
Forecast:
The IMD forecasts relief after Tuesday, but predicts another cold peak starting December 25. The cold wave is expected to last until January 31 due to wind chill factors. This year, winter began early, with November already recording its coldest temperatures in 36 years. Experts predict up to 45 days of intense cold this season.
Despite a slight rise in temperatures in some areas, the cold wave continues to affect daily life, keeping daytime temperatures low and nights freezing across the state.
