A volatile weather pattern continues to hold its grip across the State as unseasonal rainfall, lightning, and hailstorms were reported across several divisions. While the Sagar division witnessed showers at a few places, isolated rainfall occurred in Narmadapuram, Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur and Shahdol. The administrative districts of Sheopur Kalan, Sagar, and Damoh were specifically hit by hailstorms, adding to the regional weather instability. Jabera recorded the highest rainfall at 19.0 mm, followed closely by Seoni Malwa and Lavkush Nagar. The State witnessed a sharp contrast in temperatures as maximum readings stayed appreciably below normal in Rewa, Gwalior, and Sagar divisions. Raisen emerged as the hottest pocket in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 44.0°C, while Pachmarhi remained the coolest with a minimum of 16.8°C. In the capital city of Bhopal, the maximum temperature was recorded at 40.4°C. Interestingly, while daytime temperatures showed little change, minimum temperatures rose significantly in Bhopal, Jabalpur and Shahdol divisions, though they remained below the seasonal average in many areas. According to the latest data, rainfall is expected at isolated places across a vast majority of the state, covering central, northern, and eastern districts including Gwalior, Rewa, Jabalpur, and Sagar divisions.

 

A ‘Watch’ alert has been issued for most of these regions, with warnings of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph. More severe conditions are anticipated in eastern pockets such as Sidhi, Singrauli, and Shahdol, where an ‘Alert’ status is in place for higher intensity gusty winds of 50-60 kmph. Conversely, much of the western belt, including Indore and Ujjain divisions, is predicted to remain dry with no active weather warnings. Residents of Bhopal should prepare for continued atmospheric instability as the city remains under a ‘Watch’ alert for May 5. The local forecast indicates a partly cloudy sky with a high probability of thunderstorms and lightning, potentially accompanied by light rain during the afternoon or evening hours. Wind speeds in the capital are expected to range between 14-16 kmph, with maximum and minimum temperatures projected to settle around 40°C and 25°C respectively. In light of the predicted storms and hailstorms, authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors and keep away from windows, water bodies, and electric poles.

 

Farmers have been specifically advised to monitor standing crops and provide staking support against strong winds. The meteorological department has recommended that harvesting be completed during clear windows and that all harvested produce be moved to safe storage or covered immediately to prevent damage from moisture. Proper drainage should also be ensured in fields to avoid water-logging following the expected showers.