While isolated patches of the Sagar division witnessed light rainfall, the rest the State remained dry as a harsh summer continues to settle in. Meteorological experts have warned of a significant spike in heat intensity, with maximum temperatures expected to climb by 2°C to 4°C over the next three days across the State. Currently, Ratlam has emerged as the State’s hotspot, recording a blistering maximum temperature of 45.5°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially declared heatwave conditions in the district, a trend expected to expand to neighbouring Jhabua. The weather remains a study in contrasts across the various divisions. In the Rewa division, temperatures were recorded as appreciably below normal, while districts in Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Shahdol, and Sagar also saw mercury levels slightly lower than the seasonal average. Conversely, the Ujjain division is already feeling the burn, with temperatures trending above normal. In terms of extreme readings, Pachmarhi recorded the state’s lowest minimum temperature at 19.2°C, providing a rare cool spot compared to the rising heat in the plains.

 

Other cities like Narmadapuram (27.7°C) and Guna (27.4°C) recorded some of the highest minimum temperatures, indicating that nights are becoming increasingly warm. The capital city, Bhopal, recorded a maximum of 40.4°C today. A Western Disturbance is currently active as a trough in the middle and upper tropospheric westerlies. Additionally, cyclonic circulations are persisting over West Rajasthan and Southwest MP. A trough also runs from Southwest MP to Sub-Himalayan West Bengal. Despite these systems, the forecast remains largely dry for all districts, with only the Damoh district experiencing isolated thunderstorm and lightning activity recently, specifically in Jabera, which recorded 4 mm of rainfall. With the heatwave warning in place for Ratlam and Jhabua, authorities have issued Advice for farmers: The IMD suggests providing light and frequent irrigation during the morning or evening hours to maintain soil moisture. Farmers are advised to use mulching and avoid the application of fertilisers or pesticides during peak heat. For livestock, frequent access to clean drinking water (3–4 times a day) and keeping animals in well-ventilated shelters is essential to reduce heat stress.