Thick fog disrupts daily life across northern MP; weather department warns of continued chill this week.
A thick blanket of fog and plunging temperatures grip Madhya Pradesh as winter conditions tighten their hold over the northern and central parts of the state. With the mercury dipping steadily and visibility falling sharply, daily life in several districts—especially the Gwalior–Chambal region—has been thrown out of gear. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cold wave is unlikely to ease soon, with foggy mornings and chilly nights expected to persist over the next few days.
Gwalior–Chambal Region Reels Under Severe Fog
The morning hours in Gwalior, Datia, and surrounding areas brought near-zero visibility on Monday, as dense fog enveloped national highways, local roads, and railway tracks. Commuters faced difficulties navigating through poor visibility, while travelers complained of train delays of up to two hours in some routes. The Gwalior–Chambal division recorded some of the lowest temperatures in the state, marking an intense cold phase typical for mid-January but unusually persistent this year.
Datia stood out as the coldest district in Madhya Pradesh with a minimum temperature of 5.4 degrees Celsius, closely followed by Gwalior at 5.6 degrees Celsius, the lowest among the state’s major cities. Residents continued to battle bone-chilling winds blowing from the northwest, causing discomfort, especially during the early morning and night hours.
Major Cities Also Facing Winter Chill
While northern Madhya Pradesh faces the brunt of the fog, central and western districts are witnessing cold conditions as well. Bhopal, the state capital, recorded a minimum of 9 degrees Celsius, indicating a notable drop compared to last week. Indore followed with 9.6 degrees, Ujjain at 9.4 degrees, and Jabalpur at 9.8 degrees Celsius. Across Madhya Pradesh, most districts reported night temperatures dipping below the 10-degree mark.
Weather experts said that cold winds from northern India and limited sunshine due to dense fog are sustaining the chilly conditions. “The existing synoptic conditions suggest that the cold wave will persist for at least another three to four days. Relief is expected only when wind directions shift or cloud movement increases to allow more sunlight,” said a senior IMD official from Bhopal.
District-wise Temperature Overview
Apart from Datia and Gwalior, several other districts recorded very low minimum temperatures:
- Rajgarh and Pachmarhi: 5.6°C
- Mandla: 5.9°C
- Khajuraho: 6.5°C
- Naugaon, Shivpuri, and Rewa: around 7°C
Cities such as Raisen, Umaria, Damoh, and Sidhi also reported temperatures below 10°C, keeping residents indoors during the early hours. The biting cold has led people to light bonfires on streets and in marketplaces, a common winter scene across Madhya Pradesh.
Visibility Drops Sharply Across the State
The impact of dense fog stretched beyond northern MP, affecting visibility across several zones. According to weather data, visibility in Ratlam, Khajuraho, and Naugaon dropped to between 500 and 1,000 metres, while Datia, Ujjain, Rewa, Satna, and Sidhi saw slightly better visibility but still under 1.5 kilometres in the early morning.
Meanwhile, Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur recorded relatively clearer conditions, with visibility ranging from two to four kilometres, yet enough to disrupt smooth traffic movement.
The Madhya Pradesh police have issued cautionary advisories urging vehicle owners to use fog lamps, drive slowly, and avoid unnecessary early morning travel. Many railway passengers were left stranded at stations due to delayed arrivals, particularly in the northern corridors linking Jhansi, Gwalior, and Bina with Bhopal.
Day Temperatures Stay Mild, Limited Sunshine Adds to Chill
The cold wave conditions have not only affected night temperatures but have also prevented day-time relief. On Sunday, maximum temperatures in most districts remained below 25 degrees Celsius, making even mid-day hours relatively cool. In Bhopal, the day temperature barely touched 23°C, while Gwalior and Datia struggled to reach 21°C due to continuous fog and weak sunlight.
Farmers in the Malwa and Bundelkhand regions have expressed concern about the prolonged chill affecting mustard and wheat crops, although agricultural experts say that a short cold spell may actually benefit certain winter crops if frost does not occur.
Cold Wave to Persist Across North and Central MP
The IMD’s regional forecast indicates that both day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly constant for the next four days. With no immediate western disturbance expected, the situation may improve only by late this week. Meteorologists warn that inland cold winds from Rajasthan and northern India will continue to influence the weather pattern in Madhya Pradesh.
In many homes, residents are using heaters and traditional fireplaces to stay warm. Schools in several northern districts have adjusted morning timings, while outdoor workers—especially those employed in construction and transport—are facing tough conditions due to the biting cold.
Public Alert Issued by Authorities
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions against cold-related ailments. Elderly citizens, children, and people with respiratory issues have been advised to avoid exposure to cold air, especially during early morning and late evening hours. Health officials have also cautioned against sudden temperature changes, recommending the use of layered clothing and proper hydration to avoid dehydration caused by dry air.
In addition, public shelters have been opened by district administrations in places like Gwalior, Datia, and Rewa, offering temporary warmth and safety to homeless people affected by the cold. NGOs and community organizations across Madhya Pradesh have stepped up with blanket distribution drives to support underprivileged groups.
Looking Ahead
As the cold wave continues, residents across Madhya Pradesh remain hopeful for an early change in weather. However, with the IMD predicting no major improvement in the immediate future, the foggy mornings and cold nights are likely to stay for several more days. The state’s northern belt, including Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, and Datia, is expected to remain the coldest, while moderate conditions may prevail in Bhopal and Indore by the weekend.
