Shiver time: Cold wave conditions to continue in MP, Bhopal reels at 4 degrees

Special Correspondent

NewsBits.in

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh is reeling under intense cold wave conditions, pushing citizens to seek the comfort of interiors and layers of warm clothing.

The near freezing conditions are expected to prevail for two more days according to the Indian Meteorological Department, and start to abate from January 15 onwards.

Damoh in northeast MP recorded the lowest minimum of state at 0.5 degrees Celsius, while Capital Bhopal recorded fourth lowest minimum temperature in known meteorological history at 4 degrees – as much as seven degrees below normal mark.

The day temperature was recorded at 19.3 degrees – six degrees below normal – thus continuing with the cold day conditions too.

Historically, Bhopal recorded coldest day on January 18, 1935, when the minimum temperature was recorded at 0.6 degrees. After this in year 2011, Bhopal recorded minimum of 2.3 degrees on January 5 and two days the city recorded minimum of 3.6 degrees.

Ever since, night intervening Thursday and Friday was the coldest to be recorded.

Meteorologically when maximum day temperatures dip more than five degrees below normal mark – cold day conditions prevail. Similarly, when minimum temperatures dip more than five degrees below normal mark, cold wave conditions prevail.

Since at many places the minimum temperatures are even seven and eight degrees below normal, intense cold wave conditions are prevailing.

Umaria recorded minimum of 1.9 degrees, Ujjain recorded minimum of 2.0 degrees, Raisen and Betul recorded 2.5 degrees, Khajuraho – 2.6 degrees while many other districts recorded minimum temperatures between 3.0 and 6 degrees.

WARNING

The Regional Meteorological Centre has warned that the cold wave and cold day conditions would continue for next 24 hours. Damoh, Betul and Ujjain districts would experience severe cold wave conditions while districts of Jabalpur, Shahdol, Ujjain, Sagar, Hoshangabad and Bhopal as well as Guna, Sheopur Kalan, Rewa, Satna, Datia and Khargone districts would experience cold wave conditions.

 BE SAFE

Citizens are cautioned to resort to safeguards against the intense cold conditions. They should clothe very warmly in multiple layers, remain indoors in warm conditions as much as possible, keep their ear and nose especially protected when outdoors, remain dry and remain active. Children and older people should be especially protected along with the heart patients.