Madhya Pradesh is witnessing an early onset of intense summer as temperatures crossed the 40-degree mark on Saturday. Narmadapuram recorded the highest maximum temperature in the State at 40.1°C, currently reeling under a severe heatwave. In the State capital, the mercury settled at 37.8°C, nearly five degrees above the seasonal average, according to the Meteorological Centre, Bhopal.

 

The latest weather data reveals an alarming trend across the State, with maximum temperatures soaring 3.5°C to 4.8°C above normal in Bhopal, Indore, Narmadapuram, Ujjain, Gwalior, Chambal, Rewa, Jabalpur, and Sagar divisions. While Narmadapuram peaked at 40.1°C, other cities recorded high maximums including Ratlam (39.2°C), Mandla (39.0°C), and Dhar (38.9°C). In contrast, the lowest maximum temperature was recorded in Pachmarhi at 31.8°C. On the minimum temperature front, the State saw a wide variance; Dhar recorded the highest minimum at 22.3°C, while Karoundi (Katni) and Pachmarhi observed the lowest at 10.8°C.

 

Despite the rising heat, a brief respite is on the horizon. A shift in synoptic weather systems, including a Western Disturbance and a trough line, is expected to trigger light rainfall and thundershowers in the Gwalior and Chambal belt covering Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, as well as parts of Southeast Madhya Pradesh covering Chhindwara, Sheoni, Balaghat, Dindori, Mandala starting March 15. Weathermen indicate that this wet spell is likely to persist through March 16, 17 and 18. In Bhopal and its neighbourhood, the sky is expected to remain mainly clear with average wind speeds of 10 to 12 kmph. This change in weather is expected to cause a gradual dip in maximum temperatures by 2°C to 4°C across several districts over the next five days.

 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a standing advisory for citizens to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the afternoon hours when temperatures are at their peak. People are encouraged to wear light-coloured cotton clothes and use umbrellas or hats. For the farming community, the IMD suggests maintaining soil moisture for wheat at the grain-filling stage and harvesting mature mustard and early Rabi crops promptly to avoid shattering losses.