Foggy mornings disrupt travel while daytime temperatures rise slightly in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior.
Madhya Pradesh continues to reel under a spell of cold weather in mid-January, with chilly mornings and foggy conditions affecting several districts. Residents of Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur woke up to dense fog on Tuesday morning, while a slight increase in daytime temperature brought partial relief from the biting cold during the afternoon hours.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and regional weather centres, clear skies are expected to prevail during the day across most parts of the state, even as early mornings and late nights remain cold. The ongoing weather pattern is influenced by prevailing northerly winds that continue to bring a winter chill from northern India into central regions.
Chilly Morning, Mild Afternoon: A Common Pattern Across Madhya Pradesh
The early mornings in Madhya Pradesh remain cold, forcing people to start their day with layers of warm clothing and hot beverages. However, as the day progresses, temperatures gradually rise, making afternoon conditions relatively pleasant. The pattern has remained consistent for the past few days, with meteorologists noting a minor upward shift in maximum temperatures but a continuous dip in minimum levels.
In Bhopal, the state capital, citizens experienced a minimum temperature of around 14 to 15 degrees Celsius in the morning, while the maximum temperature is expected to touch 26 degrees Celsius during the day. Despite the sunshine, cool winds continue to blow in the early evening, keeping the overall atmosphere wintry.
Indore, another major city, is witnessing similar conditions. The mercury touched around 16 degrees Celsius in the early hours, rising to approximately 27 degrees Celsius during the afternoon. The weather in Indore remains dry, and light fog patches were reported in the outskirts during the morning. The increase in daytime temperature brought minor comfort to residents, particularly shopkeepers, vendors, and office workers who faced chilly conditions during the previous week.
Gwalior Sees Sharper Cold, Fog Affects Visibility
Among all major cities, Gwalior continues to remain the coldest. Northerly winds from Rajasthan and the upper plains of north India have kept the temperature low. The maximum temperature in the city is hovering around 22 degrees Celsius, while the minimum has dropped to 9–10 degrees Celsius. Dense fog in the morning hours has led to poor visibility, affecting vehicular movement on highways and city routes.
Local traffic authorities have deployed additional personnel to manage congested crossings during peak hours, as the fog has caused delays in travel and slowed morning traffic. Bus and train services have also been slightly affected due to reduced visibility. Passengers have been advised to check schedules before travel and exercise caution while commuting under foggy conditions.
Jabalpur Remains Cool but Stable
Jabalpur, another key district in eastern Madhya Pradesh, saw relatively moderate weather compared to Gwalior. The city recorded a minimum temperature of around 13 degrees Celsius and a maximum of nearly 25 degrees Celsius. Residents reported a cool breeze throughout the day but with visible sunshine during the afternoon, offering some comfort from the cold. Morning fog was moderate, clearing by mid-morning, leading to better travel conditions compared to the northern regions.
Meteorologists said that the fluctuations in temperature are expected to continue for a few more days. Slight variations of 1–2 degrees Celsius in both minimum and maximum readings are likely due to changing wind patterns and clearer skies.
Cold Wave Impact on Daily Life
The ongoing cold weather has had a noticeable impact on daily routines. Schoolchildren across districts are seen wrapped in sweaters and scarves as they head to school in dense morning fog. Some schools have reportedly delayed morning assembly timings due to low visibility and cold air. Office-goers too are finding it challenging to start their commute early, preferring to step out only after sunrise.
In Bhopal and Indore, roadside tea stalls and breakfast shops have witnessed increased footfall as people seek warmth in hot drinks and snacks. Meanwhile, morning walkers and joggers are fewer than usual, with many preferring indoor exercise due to the chill and health concerns related to fog exposure.
Farmers in several parts of Madhya Pradesh are keeping a watchful eye on weather forecasts, as prolonged cold and fog can affect wheat, pea, and mustard crops. Agricultural experts suggest that moderate cold is helpful for rabi crops, but persistent fog may lead to reduced sunlight and pest-related issues if conditions continue for many more days.
Temperature Trends and Regional Variations
Data from local weather stations indicate that minimum temperatures have dropped by nearly 2 to 4 degrees Celsius across multiple regions in recent days, making mornings colder than the previous week. However, maximum daytime temperatures have seen an increase of about 1–2 degrees Celsius, which is preventing the cold wave from intensifying further.
Districts including Betul, Raisen, Rewa, and Sagar also recorded similar weather trends, with morning fog and slight afternoon warmth. In smaller towns like Chhindwara and Hoshangabad, weather remained dry, and clear skies were observed throughout the day.
Experts believe that such mixed conditions — cold mornings followed by sunny afternoons — are typical for mid-January in central India. They also point out that the absence of strong western disturbances means no immediate rainfall or drastic temperature drop is expected in the coming days.
Advisory from the Weather Department
The weather department has advised residents to remain cautious during early morning and late night hours, especially motorists and two-wheeler riders. Dense fog and poor visibility can lead to accidents if proper precautions are not taken. The department further suggests wearing layered clothing, staying hydrated, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to cold air during dawn and night-time hours.
Citizens are also encouraged to check real-time weather updates before planning long-distance travel by road or train. According to forecasters, the current pattern of mild cold during the day and chilly nights is expected to continue throughout the week.
Warm Days Ahead, But Cold Nights Remain
As per the IMD outlook, no major weather disturbance is currently predicted for Madhya Pradesh. Daytime warmth may gradually increase due to persistent sunshine, especially in southern and central districts. However, the overnight drop in temperature is likely to persist, continuing the pattern of crisp winter mornings.
Residents across Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur can expect similar weather for the next few days — clear skies, slight afternoon warmth, and foggy mornings. With winter at its peak, Madhya Pradesh remains wrapped in a gentle chill, offering both challenges and charm to life across the state.
