Rain, thunderstorms, dense fog likely in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh as IMD issues alert

Weather Update: Weather conditions across north and central India are set to change over the next few days as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of rain, thunderstorms and dense fog in parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh due to back-to-back Western Disturbances becoming active.

After a largely dry winter spell, the approaching systems are expected to bring rainfall, lightning, hailstorms and visibility concerns, particularly during late nights and early mornings, prompting advisories for residents, farmers and commuters.

Western Disturbance to trigger rain, thunderstorms in Rajasthan

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

According to IMD, a strong Western Disturbance is likely to impact Rajasthan between January 22 and 24, with another system expected from January 26 to 28. While the past 24 hours remained mostly dry, light to moderate fog was reported at isolated locations.

Day temperatures have stayed unusually high for late January, with maximum readings crossing 25°C in most districts. Barmer recorded the highest maximum temperature at 29.6°C, while Karauli was the coldest at night with a minimum of 5.8°C. Other low night temperatures were noted in Vanasthali, Pilani, Dausa and Sri Ganganagar.

Rain, lightning and hail risk in several regions

IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in the Jodhpur, Bikaner and Shekhawati regions. On Friday, parts of Bikaner and Shekhawati may also witness hailstorms, along with light to moderate rain in pockets of Jaipur, Ajmer and Bharatpur.

Further, from January 26 to 27, another spell of light to moderate rainfall is likely in parts of the Jaipur, Bharatpur and Bikaner regions as the second Western Disturbance strengthens.
Residents have been advised to remain alert, especially in areas prone to thunderstorms and hail, which may disrupt daily activities and damage standing crops.

Dense fog warning for north Rajasthan

IMD has also issued a fog advisory for northern Rajasthan, with dense fog likely at isolated places on January 24 and 25. Visibility may drop sharply during night and early morning hours, affecting road and rail movement.

Weather officials warned that fog not only increases the risk of road accidents but may also aggravate respiratory issues as pollutants get trapped close to the surface. Reduced sunlight during prolonged foggy conditions could also impact crop health by limiting photosynthesis.

Light showers possible in northern Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh, weather conditions remained mostly dry over the past 24 hours, with no significant rainfall reported anywhere in the state. However, IMD’s Bhopal centre has forecast isolated light showers in some northern districts on January 23 and 24.

Scattered drizzles may occur in pockets of Rewa, Satna and Sidhi, along with parts of Gwalior and Chhatarpur divisions. By January 25 and 26, the state is expected to return to largely dry conditions, with only occasional isolated rainfall in northern areas.

Central and southern regions, including Indore and Bhopal, are likely to remain dry, though dense fog could reduce visibility during late nights and early mornings.

Why the weather is changing?

Meteorologists said the current weather pattern is linked to a Western Disturbance positioned as a trough in middle and upper tropospheric westerlies. A cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan has merged with this system, while a strong subtropical westerly jet stream is active over northeast India.

A fresh Western Disturbance is expected to influence northwest India from January 26, which may gradually alter weather conditions across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh towards the end of the month.

Maximum temperatures across Madhya Pradesh showed little variation and remained above normal in several divisions. Mandla recorded the highest maximum temperature at 29.0°C, followed by Narmadapuram at 28.4°C and Khargone, Narsinghpur and Ujjain at 28°C each.

Cooler daytime conditions were reported from Pachmarhi, Sheopur, Rewa and parts of Chhatarpur and Katni districts. Minimum temperatures dipped sharply in Shahdol division but stayed above normal in Indore, Ujjain, Chambal and Jabalpur divisions.

The coldest night temperatures were recorded in Karoundi (Katni) and Kalyanpur (Shahdol) at 4.9°C, while Narmadapuram and Sehore remained relatively warmer at night.
Fog concerns for commuters, farmers

Shallow fog has already been reported in Gwalior district, with the possibility of dense fog increasing over the coming days. Authorities have advised commuters to drive slowly, use low-beam headlights and maintain safe distances.

Farmers have been urged to protect crops and livestock from prolonged foggy conditions, ensure proper ventilation, provide warm water and energy-rich feed, and closely monitor soil moisture and pests, especially for rabi crops.

For Bhopal and surrounding areas, mainly clear skies with haze are expected, with winds of 16–18 kmph and temperatures ranging between 27°C and 12°C.