A blistering heatwave and temperatures soaring well above normal limits across multiple divisions, the State witnessed completely dry weather, with no respite in sight for the next five days. The intense summer heat peaked in Nowgong, which recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at a scorching 46.8°C, while Khajuraho closely followed at 46.4°C. Meanwhile, Pachmarhi remained the coolest spot in the State, recording a pleasant minimum of 19.2°C and a maximum of 35.6°C. The daytime temperatures have risen significantly, staying 1.7°C to 2.8°C above normal in districts across the Bhopal, Rewa, Jabalpur, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions. Nights are bringing little relief either, especially in the Gwalior division where minimum temperatures hovered 2.1°C above the seasonal average. In Chhindwara, residents experienced a “Warm Night” phenomenon, indicating that nighttime temperatures remained exceptionally high, keeping the atmosphere oppressive even after sunset.

 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe heatwave warnings for isolated pockets, including Satna, Panna, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Datia, Bhind, Rewa, Mauganj, Katni, Damoh, Niwari, and Maihar. Additionally, standard heatwave alerts are in place for a vast number of districts, spanning from central regions like Vidisha and Raisen to western areas like Ujjain and Ratlam. Authorities have advised the public to minimize outdoor exposure between 12 pm and 3 pm, stay hydrated with water and local drinks like ORS or buttermilk, and wear loose cotton clothing to prevent heatstroke. Farmers have also been urged to provide light, frequent irrigation to crops and shield livestock in well-ventilated shades. Meanwhile, Bhopal witnessed a dry and hot Saturday morning with the maximum temperature touching 42.2°C, which is a degree above the normal mark.

 

The local minimum temperature settled at 29.0°C. The weather forecast for Bhopal and its neighbourhood indicates a mainly clear sky with average wind speeds ranging between 16 and 18 kmph. Temperatures in the capital are expected to hover around a maximum of 42°C and a minimum of 29°C. On the national front, crucial synoptic weather systems are developing as the Southwest Monsoon advanced further into parts of the Arabian Sea, Comorin area, and most parts of the Andaman Sea today. While conditions remain favourable for the monsoon’s further advancement over the next 3 to 4 days, Central India remains under the influence of dry, continental winds. A Western Disturbance as a cyclonic circulation currently persists over Jammu and its neighbourhood, and a weather trough is running from Punjab to Southwest Rajasthan. A fresh Western Disturbance is expected to affect Northwest India from May 28, which meteorological experts are monitoring for any potential shift in the region’s intense heat track.