Temperature drops to 1.7°C in MP:Cold wave peaks amid New Year, ice freezes in several areas; dense fog delays trains

Madhya Pradesh is currently witnessing an intense cold spell, with the eastern parts of the state experiencing the harshest conditions this winter season. Areas under the Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar divisions are facing freezing temperatures, with the mercury dipping to a record low of 1.7 degrees Celsius. This minimum temperature was recorded in Kalyanpur area of Shahdol on Monday night, marking one of the coldest nights in the state’s recent history. According to weather officials, similar conditions are expected to prevail on Wednesday as well, meaning New Year celebrations will take place amid biting cold across the state. Western disturbance and jet stream intensify cold The sharp fall in temperature is being attributed to snowfall in the Himalayan states and active Western Disturbance systems affecting northern India. These conditions have strengthened cold winds entering Madhya Pradesh. Along with this, a high-speed jet stream, a fast-flowing air current, was recorded over the state at a speed of 259 kmph on Tuesday, further pushing down night temperatures. The Meteorological Department has said the jet stream will remain active on Wednesday, continuing its impact statewide. As a result, Madhya Pradesh is experiencing a mix of cold wave, cold day conditions, dense morning fog and severe nighttime chill. Dense fog disrupts rail services Dense fog has significantly affected visibility across several districts, leading to delays in train services. More than 10 long-distance trains, including Malwa Express, Shatabdi, Sachkhand and Karnataka Express, travelling from Delhi towards Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain, are running behind schedule. Fog conditions were reported early Wednesday morning in cities such as Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Maihar, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Datia, Shivpuri, Bhopal, Ujjain and Indore. In districts like Datia and Khajuraho, visibility dropped to 50–200 metres, impacting both rail and road movement. Eastern MP shivers as temperatures plunge For the first time this season, eastern Madhya Pradesh has experienced such intense cold. Besides Shahdol’s Kalyanpur at 1.7°C, Naugaon (Chhatarpur) recorded 3°C, Umaria 3.1°C, Khajuraho 4.4°C, Rajgarh 4.6°C and Pachmarhi 4.8°C. Temperatures remained around 5°C in Mandla and Rewa, 5.2°C in Satna, 5.7°C in Datia, and 5.8°C in Malajkhand. Major cities also felt the chill, with Bhopal at 5.6°C, Indore and Gwalior at 6.6°C, Jabalpur at 7°C, and Ujjain at 9.2°C. In nearly 30 cities across the state, the minimum temperature remained below 10°C. Records broken in November December This winter season has already set new records. In November, Bhopal experienced a cold wave for 15 consecutive days, the highest since records began in 1931. On November 17, the city recorded 5.2°C, the lowest ever for that date. Indore also witnessed its coldest November night in 25 years, with temperatures falling to 6.4°C. December has continued this trend, with both Bhopal and Indore recording sub-5°C temperatures, reinforcing the severity of this winter. December, January peak cold period Meteorologists note that December and January are traditionally the coldest months in Madhya Pradesh, similar to how July and August dominate the monsoon season. During this period, cold winds from northern India intensify, and Western Disturbances occasionally bring winter rainfall, increasing the chill during daytime as well. The current conditions align with trends observed over the past decade, and officials advise people to take precautions against cold-related health issues.