Fresh western disturbance to bring severe cold in MP:Snow-fed winds to sweep the region; temperatures may fall by up to 3°C

Madhya Pradesh is set to face a sharp drop in temperature from 5 or 6 December. A new Western Disturbance will bring snowfall to the Himalayan region, followed by icy winds in MP. Night temperatures are expected to fall by 2–3°C, and a long spell of severe cold and cold wave conditions is likely through December and January. Western disturbance to trigger a fresh cold spell The Meteorological Department says a new Western Disturbance will affect the Himalayas from 5 December. Snowfall will follow in the mountains. After this, cold winds will blow into Madhya Pradesh. From Tuesday, night temperatures may fall by 2–3 degrees. November’s record-breaking cold to continue The intense chill seen in November will not go away soon. Its effect will continue through December, January, and February. On Sunday–Monday night, temperatures dropped below 10°C in six districts, including Bhopal and Indore.Among major cities: Pachmarhi coldest in the state Pachmarhi recorded 6.8°C, the lowest in MP. Rajgarh recorded 8.2°C, and Rewa–Naogaon recorded 9.5°C. Shivpuri, Betul, Khajuraho, Khandwa, Datia, and Chhindwara stayed under 12°C. Day temperatures also fall Cold was also felt during the day. Malajkhand in Balaghat recorded the lowest maximum temperature at 23.7°C. Other maximum temperatures: November breaks multiple winter records This November, Bhopal saw 15 consecutive cold wave days — the highest since 1931. On 17 November, the temperature fell to 5.2°C, breaking the 1941 record of 6.1°C. Indore recorded 6.4°C, the lowest in 25 years. Senior meteorologist Dr Divya E. Surendran says the early snowfall in northern states in early November brought cold winds into MP. A recent change in wind direction briefly reduced the chill. Why December and January are the coldest months According to the Meteorological Department, December and January are the peak winter months, just as July–August are the key monsoon months. Cold winds from North India move into MP more frequently during these two months, causing sharp drops in both day and night temperatures. Light winter rain (Mawtha) is also common due to active Western Disturbances. Expected weather pattern for December Strong Western Disturbances are likely in December. Northerly winds will return, lowering temperatures again. This trend is expected throughout the month. Districts likely to face the most intense cold Cold Wave May Last 20–22 Days Experts say many cities in MP may experience cold wave conditions in December.In January, the cold wave may continue for 20 to 22 days. Why the cold has increased this year La Niña Effect Retired Meteorological Centre Director DP Dubey says global weather models predicted La Niña this year. La Niña cools the Pacific Ocean, which pushes colder air towards Asia and India.This cold air has affected Central India since November. Early snowfall increased the chill Snowfall began early in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Kashmir. Early snowfall increases cold in Central India by 20–30%. Cold winds penetrated deeper Cold winds reached 20–25% deeper into regions like Gwalior–Chambal, Bhopal–Vidisha, Ratlam–Mandsaur, and Sagar–Damoh. Western disturbances remained active Active Western Disturbances bring winter rain (Mawtha), which lowers temperatures by 4–6°C. Cities like Bhopal, Ujjain, Mandsaur, and Ratlam may experience colder days due to this. In Indore–Dewas, Bhopal–Sehore, and Gwalior–Morena, daytime temperatures may frequently drop by 4–6°C, leading to cold day conditions.