Extreme cold grips Madhya Pradesh, Mandsaur at 2.5°C:Icy northern winds intensify chill; IMD issues cold wave alert in Shahdol, Anuppur, Umaria, Katni and Maihar

Madhya Pradesh is experiencing severe cold due to icy winds blowing in from northern India. The minimum temperature has dropped sharply, with Mandsaur recording the lowest at just 2.5 degrees Celsius. Early Saturday morning, light to moderate fog was reported in more than 15 districts.
The Meteorological Department has issued a cold wave alert for five districts — Shahdol, Anuppur, Umaria, Katni and Maihar — warning of continued harsh conditions. Cold spell to continue for next 2–3 days According to the India Meterelogical Department, snowfall in the Himalayan region has intensified cold conditions in Madhya Pradesh. The severe cold is expected to continue for the next two to three days.
Senior meteorologist Dr Divya E. Surendran said a new western disturbance is likely to become active over north-west India from 19 January. If the system is strong, it could bring cloudy weather and light rain to parts of the state around 20–21 January. Temperatures Fall Sharply in Major Cities
Several towns and cities recorded extremely low night temperatures between Friday and Saturday: In major cities, temperatures were also unusually low: Most other towns reported minimum temperatures close to 10°C. Dense fog reduces visibility, trains delayed Dense to moderate fog affected several regions, particularly Gwalior, Chambal, Sagar and Rewa divisions. In Rajgarh, visibility dropped to 50–200 metres, while in cities like Bhopal, Gwalior, Ujjain and Indore, visibility ranged between 1 and 2 kilometres.
The fog has disrupted rail services, especially trains travelling from Delhi to Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain. Trains such as the Malwa Express, Jhelum Express and Sachkhand Express are running late. Around a dozen other trains, including Punjab Mail and Janshatabdi Express, are also affected. Why is the weather so severe? Meteorologists explain that powerful jet stream winds, blowing at a height of around 12.6 kilometres above sea level at speeds of up to 240 km per hour, are influencing weather patterns across north and central India.
Meanwhile, an earlier western disturbance has moved away, but a new system from 19 January could again affect the region, possibly bringing clouds and rainfall if it strengthens. January: Peak month for severe cold Experts say January is one of the coldest months in Madhya Pradesh, similar to how July–August are peak months for monsoon rainfall. Cold northern winds are strongest during December and January, leading to sharp temperature drops, cold waves and dense fog.
In recent years, January has also seen winter rainfall (Mawtha) due to western disturbances. Last year, several districts received rain, and this year began with cloudy conditions as well. Historical cold records in major cities Weather experts warn that the current cold spell could persist, with cold winds, dense fog and possible rainfall continuing to affect daily life across Madhya Pradesh.