Madhya Pradesh continues to reel under severe heatwave, with an oppressive combination of daytime heatwaves and sultry nights affecting a vast majority of districts. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhopal, maximum temperatures are currently running up to 2.5°C above normal across the Bhopal, Gwalior, Rewa, Jabalpur and Sagar divisions. The day’s highest temperature was a blistering 45.8°C, recorded jointly at Khajuraho and Nowgong. Conversely, the scenic hill station of Pachmarhi offered the State’s only real respite, tracking the lowest minimum temperature at 19.2°C. The weather office has issued a stringent warning for severe heatwave conditions coupled with warm night phenomena, where night-time temperatures fail to cool down, worsening heat stress. Tikamgarh, Guna, and Datia are on high alert for this twin assault. Meanwhile, a severe heatwave warning is active for a major belt of the state, including Satna, Panna, Chhatarpur, Niwari, Rajgarh, Jabalpur, Sagar, and Damoh. Standard heatwave alerts also encompass the capital city of Bhopal, alongside Gwalior, Ujjain, Indore, and nearly twenty other districts, making daytime exposure highly hazardous. While most divisions remained completely dry, pockets within the Indore division experienced sudden convective activity. Isolated areas witnessed short-lived thunderstorms, lightning, and dust storms. Warla recorded the state’s highest rainfall at 12.0 mm, followed closely by Burhanpur at 6.4 mm. These sudden weather shifts were accompanied by strong, dusty winds, with peak gusts clocking up to 41 km/h in Barwani and Sehore, and 37 km/h at the Indore Airport.

 

In the capital city and its neighbourhood, residents should brace for sustained high temperatures. Bhopal recorded a maximum temperature of 42.7°C and a minimum of 29.6°C, both hovering well above seasonal averages. The forecast indicates a mainly clear sky with isolated heatwave conditions. Winds are expected to blow at a moderate 14 to 16 km/h, keeping daytime conditions dry and hot, with temperatures lingering around 42°C during the day and 29°C at night. On the synoptic front, the northern limit of monsoon is progressing steadily through the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, with favourable conditions for further advancement over the next two to three days. For Central India, meteorologists state there will be No Large Change (NLC) in maximum temperatures for the next four days. However, a fresh western disturbance is slated to approach northwest India on May 28, which is expected to finally pull down temperatures across Madhya Pradesh by 3°C to 4°C early next week. In light of the hazardous heat, local authorities advise citizens to completely avoid direct sunlight between 12 pm and 3 pm, stay hydrated with water or traditional drinks like lassi and buttermilk, and wear loose cotton clothing. Farmers have been specifically instructed to provide light, frequent irrigation to crops during the early morning or evening hours to minimise water evaporation. Additionally, livestock must be kept in well-ventilated shades, provided water three to four times a day, and kept indoors during the peak grazing hours of 12 pm to 4 pm.