Cold wave coming! IMD warns of intense conditions across central & west India; MP braces for strongest chill

Winter

Several states across central and western India are likely to face a spell of widespread to severe cold wave conditions over the next few days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned.

According to the weather department, the dip in temperatures will be most notable between November 17 and 19, affecting parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

As per the IMD’s bulletin issued at 8.05 am on Nov 17, Madhya Pradesh is likely to experience the most intense cold wave conditions. The state may see cold wave to severe cold wave conditions in some areas on Monday, followed by cold wave conditions in isolated pockets on November 18 and 19.

Both West and East MP recorded sharply below-normal minimum temperatures on November 16, dipping more than 5°C below usual levels.

Rajgarh in West Madhya Pradesh reported the lowest minimum temperature of 6°C, the coldest across the plains of India on that day.

Cold wave conditions are also predicted in isolated parts of West Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra and Vidarbha on November 17 and 18. Several areas in East Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh may experience similar conditions from November 17 to 19, while Jharkhand is expected to be affected on November 17.

Minimum temperatures on November 16 were already lower than normal across many regions, falling 1.6°C to 3°C below average in Odisha, Jharkhand, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, East Rajasthan, Marathwada, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh.

Telangana saw an even sharper dip, with readings 3.1°C to 5°C below normal. Maximum temperatures also dropped in parts of Jharkhand, East Rajasthan, East Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

Alongside the cold wave warnings, the IMD has forecast shallow to moderate fog across several areas in Northeast India during the week. Visibility is likely to be reduced, especially during early morning hours, which may impact travel and daily routines.

While northern and central India deal with falling temperatures, the southern states remain under the influence of rain. The IMD has predicted light to moderate rain or thunderstorms over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through the week.

Tamil Nadu is expected to receive isolated heavy rainfall from November 18 to 22, along with very heavy rain on November 17. Thunderstorms with lightning may strike parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe and coastal Andhra Pradesh till November 20.

Some regions may also witness gusty winds of 30-40 kmph, while squally conditions could reach 55 kmph along the Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts on November 17. Winds over the Andaman Sea may increase to 60 kmph on November 18, the IMD said.