Winter rain and fog alert in MP:Western Disturbance to bring ‘Mawatha’ on January 23–24, temperatures to rise

Madhya Pradesh is on alert for winter rain on January 23 and 24 due to the activation of a strong Western Disturbance. Its impact is expected across 10 districts, including the Gwalior and Rewa divisions. Along with rainfall, foggy conditions are also likely to prevail during this period. On Wednesday morning as well, light to moderate fog was observed in several districts across the state. Fog conditions across districts Moderate fog was recorded in Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna and Rewa. Meanwhile, light fog affected major cities such as Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain. According to the Meteorological Department, night temperatures have remained stable so far. Due to bright sunshine during the day, the impact of cold is not being strongly felt. Both minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to rise in the coming days. Intense cold likely towards end of January The Meteorological Department has stated that once the current Western Disturbance moves away, another spell of cold weather is likely to affect the state. Temperatures may drop again, and the possibility of a cold wave cannot be ruled out. This phase of intense cold is expected during the final days of January. Before that, days are likely to remain comparatively warm, while nights will continue to be cold. District-wise rain forecast Rain is expected in different districts on separate dates- January 23: Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind and Datia January 24: Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa and Mauganj Mandsaur coldest city; Indore sees drop in mercury Mandsaur was recorded as the coldest city in the state on Monday–Tuesday night, with a minimum temperature of 5.9 degrees Celsius. Rajgarh recorded 6.6 degrees, Shajapur 7.1 degrees, Datia 8.6 degrees, Shivpuri 9 degrees, and Mandla and Khajuraho 9.5 degrees. Among major cities, Bhopal recorded 9.8 degrees, Indore 8.4 degrees, Gwalior 10 degrees, Ujjain 9.8 degrees, and Jabalpur 14.5 degrees Celsius. In most other cities, minimum temperatures remained above 10 degrees. 2 weather systems currently active The Meteorological Department has reported that a Western Disturbance is currently positioned over Pakistan and may affect northwest India from the night of January 21. Due to this system, rainfall is likely in Madhya Pradesh on January 23 and 24. In addition, cyclonic circulation activity is present. On Tuesday, cloud cover was observed in several districts, including Narmadapuram. Jet stream winds are blowing over North India at a height of 12.6 kilometres at a speed of around 241 kilometres per hour, influencing weather conditions in parts of the state. What is a Western disturbance? A Western Disturbance is a system of winds and clouds that moves in from the west. When active, it causes snowfall in hilly regions and rainfall in the plains. After it passes, cold northern winds dominate, leading to persistent cold conditions during both day and night. Why is January crucial for cold weather ? According to the Meteorological Department, December and January are the most significant months for severe cold, much like July and August are key months for the monsoon. During these months, cold winds from North India frequently affect the state, causing sharp temperature drops. Data from the past decade shows a similar pattern each year. Western Disturbances also trigger winter rain, locally known as Mawatha, in January. Last year, many districts received rainfall, and this year, cloud cover was seen from the very first day of January.