Dense Fog, Severe Cold Grip Madhya Pradesh, Trains Delayed by Hours
Madhya Pradesh is battling intense cold and dense fog, disrupting daily life across cities and rural regions alike. The sharp fall in temperatures has delayed major train services, affected morning routines, and raised concerns among farmers about crop damage. Several districts recorded single-digit minimum temperatures, while fog reduced visibility on roads and railway tracks.
Train Services Hit by Dense Fog
Dense fog across northern and central India severely impacted rail operations in Madhya Pradesh. Trains running between Delhi and cities such as Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain reported long delays.
Major Train Delays (Chart)
| Train Name | Scheduled Arrival (Bhopal) | Delay |
|---|---|---|
| Malwa Express | 7:25 AM | Over 7 hours |
| Punjab Mail | — | 3–5 hours |
| Shatabdi Express | — | 2–4 hours |
| Jhelum Express | — | 4–6 hours |
| Sachkhand Express | — | 5+ hours |
| Karnataka Express | — | 3–6 hours |
Railway officials said some trains may recover time during the journey, depending on visibility conditions.
Temperatures Drop Across Cities
The cold wave intensified as night temperatures plunged sharply across the state. Several cities recorded their coldest nights of the season.
Minimum Temperatures Recorded (Chart)
| City | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| Rajgarh | 4.0 |
| Bhopal | 5.6 |
| Indore | 6.4 |
| Jabalpur | 8.0 |
| Gwalior | 9.0 |
| Ujjain | 9.5 |
| Pachmarhi | 5.2 |
| Umaria | 5.0 |
| Chhatarpur (Naugawan) | 5.0 |
As many as 22 cities recorded temperatures below 10°C, reflecting the severity of the cold spell.
Fog Disrupts Daily Life
Dense fog reduced outdoor activity in several districts. In Umaria, very few people turned up for morning walks at the stadium. Tikamgarh and Gwalior witnessed poor visibility, forcing drivers to use headlights even during early morning hours. Bonfires became a common sight in residential areas.
In Ratlam, farmers lit fires near markets while transporting produce to protect themselves from the biting cold. Chhindwara saw bright sunshine during the day, but temperatures dipped sharply at night.
Farming Faces Frost Threat
Raisen experienced the coldest night of the season as temperatures dropped to 5°C. Dew froze on crops and trees, raising alarms among farmers. Many started smoke burning to protect crops from frost. Agricultural experts warned that temperatures below 5°C could damage wheat, vegetables and pulses.
Icy Winds Sweep Chhatarpur
Cold winds from the Himalayan region continued to affect Chhatarpur. Dense fog set in after 10 PM, while humidity levels touched 88 percent. Slight cloud cover may bring marginal relief in coming days.
Weather Department Issues Advisory
The Meteorological Department advised residents to stay cautious during mornings and nights. Officials urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and asked farmers to take protective measures against frost.
The cold wave is expected to persist, keeping Madhya Pradesh on alert for the next few days.
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