Temperatures dip below 10°C in 25 cities; schools to remain closed from Dec 31 to Jan 4 amid freezing conditions.
The winter season has tightened its grip across Madhya Pradesh, with most parts of the state grappling with severe cold and dense fog. The state is witnessing a sudden and sharp dip in temperature, forcing the government to declare winter holidays in all schools starting from December 31, 2025, to January 4, 2026, for the safety and well-being of students.
According to the latest reports from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), around 25 cities across Madhya Pradesh recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. The freezing conditions have slowed down daily life, with dense fog affecting road traffic and early morning visibility. Many regions even reported frost on vehicles and rooftops, while dew drops froze overnight, indicating just how chilly the conditions have become.
Sharp Dip in Temperatures Across the State
The cold intensifies every year around late December, but this week’s fall in mercury has been particularly steep. As per the latest weather data, Kalyanpur in Shahdol district recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 3.8 degrees Celsius, marking one of the coldest mornings of the season. The capital city Bhopal recorded a minimum temperature of 5.6 degrees Celsius, while Indore registered 6.4 degrees Celsius.
Other key cities across the state also shivered under the cold wave, with Jabalpur at 8°C, Gwalior at 9°C, and Ujjain at 9.5°C. The chill extended further to several smaller districts including Nowgong, Umaria, Malajkhand, Mandla, Khajuraho, Shivpuri, Damoh, and Chhindwara, where the minimum temperatures dropped below 10 degrees Celsius as well.
Meteorologists predict that these conditions are likely to persist for at least the next three to four days, accompanied by dense fog during early mornings and chilly winds throughout the day.
Dense Fog Disrupts Daily Life
The cold wave has not only dropped the temperature but also led to low visibility across major roads and highways in the morning hours. Cities like Bhopal, Indore, and Gwalior woke up to a thick layer of fog, making morning commutes hazardous. Many trains and bus services reported delays due to poor visibility, and residents were seen lighting small bonfires to keep themselves warm in street corners and neighborhoods.
Local people say the cold this year feels harsher compared to the previous years. Vendors and workers operating in the open have faced major challenges in continuing their business during the early and late hours of the day. Meanwhile, hotels, tea stalls, and winter clothing shops have witnessed a rise in customers as people look for ways to beat the chill.
Winter Holidays Declared for Schools
In view of the extreme cold and dense fog, the School Education Department of Madhya Pradesh has announced winter holidays for all government and private schools across the state. The holiday period will begin from December 31, 2025, and extend up to January 4, 2026.
Officials said that this decision was taken to ensure the health and safety of students, especially those commuting early in the morning. The department also mentioned that if cold conditions persist or worsen, the winter vacation may be extended further.
Parents and teachers have welcomed the move, noting that the morning chill has made it difficult for younger students to attend school comfortably. “It’s a good decision by the government. Many children were struggling to cope with the cold early in the morning,” said Rita Sharma, a parent from Bhopal.
IMD Forecast for the Coming Days
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for dense fog and severe cold wave conditions in various parts of northern and central Madhya Pradesh. The weather department expects the temperature to drop slightly further during the next two days as cold winds from northern India continue to flow into the region.
Officials have advised residents to take necessary precautions — including wearing woollen clothes, avoiding early morning travel, and staying indoors during peak cold hours. Farmers have been warned to protect their crops from frost by covering vulnerable plants and maintaining moisture levels in the soil.
Residents Brace for Continued Chill
The ongoing cold wave has disrupted normal life, but people are finding ways to adapt. Bonfires, heaters, and hot beverages have become essential companions. Local authorities and NGOs have also started distributing blankets to the needy in several districts to help them cope with the plunging temperatures.
Families are spending more time indoors, and the roads wear a deserted look in the early mornings and late evenings. Despite the discomfort, the weather has also brought moments of seasonal charm, with misty mornings, low-lying clouds, and the soft sunlight of winter afternoons creating a picturesque atmosphere across the heart of India.
Government on Alert
The state administration is closely monitoring the situation. Disaster management and health departments have been directed to stay on standby to provide relief and emergency support if required. The education authorities will review the weather conditions again on January 4, after which a decision regarding the reopening of schools will be made.
In the meantime, residents are advised to stay updated with local weather forecasts and travel advisories. The government has emphasized that avoiding unnecessary travel during foggy conditions can help ensure public safety during this extreme cold spell.
Madhya Pradesh continues to shiver as winter tightens its hold. With temperatures likely to remain low for the coming days, residents are bundling up and bracing for one of the chilliest New Year periods the state has experienced in recent years.
