Staff Reporter :
Significant fluctuations in temperature and erratic weather patterns continue to grip the State. While several divisions recorded temperature well below the seasonal normal, India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a gradual rise in maximum temperature by 2 to 4°C across the State over the next three days.
Meanwhile isolated rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, was reported in Gwalior, Chambal and Jabalpur divisions. Gohad recorded the highest rainfall at 9.5 mm, followed closely by Balaghat at 9.4 mm and Waraseoni at 7.2 mm. High-speed winds also battered northern parts of the state, with Gwalior Airport recording gusts of up to 67 km/h. Despite these localized disturbances, the rest of the state remained largely dry.
Temperature readings across the State showed a marked departure from the norm.
Districts in Gwalior and Rewa divisions saw maximum temperatures plummeting nearly 5.8°C below normal. Bhopal also experienced a cooler-than-usual night, with minimum temperatures staying 5.3°C below the average. Amarkantak recorded the State’s lowest minimum temperature at 16.1°C, while Narsinghpur and Khargone sizzled at a state-high of 42.2°C and 41.2°C respectively.
Meteorologists attribute these conditions to multiple synoptic systems, including a persistent western disturbance as a cyclonic circulation over northwest Uttar Pradesh and another over central Pakistan.
A trough/wind discontinuity running from the southeast Arabian Sea to southwest Madhya Pradesh is influencing the current moisture levels. A fresh Western Disturbance is also expected to affect the region starting May 10.
Isolated rainfall is expected primarily in the northern and eastern districts, including Morena, Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, and several districts in the Jabalpur and Shahdol divisions. In contrast, the western and central parts of the state, including Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain divisions, are predicted to remain dry.
A ‘Yellow’ watch has been issued for these rainfall-prone areas, spanning across the northern belt and the eastern half of the state. Residents in these
regions should stay updated as the IMD warns of potential thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph.
Key districts under this alert include Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Satna, Rewa, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, and Balaghat. Meanwhile, the western districts remain under ‘No Warning’ status, indicating stable weather conditions for that region.
In the capital city, Bhopal is expected to maintain a mainly clear sky with dry weather. The maximum temperature in the city is forecast to reach 40°C, while the minimum is expected to settle around 23°C, signaling the beginning of the anticipated heat trajectory.