Despite the ongoing storms and rainfall across Madhya Pradesh, temperatures soared to record highs on Friday, with Chhatarpur district reaching a blistering 45.8°C, the hottest in the state. Khajuraho, also in Chhatarpur, recorded 45.8°C, marking the peak temperature of the day. Gwalior and Nowgong were also among the hottest, hitting 45°C, despite the unusual mix of heat, rain, and storm activity.
Other districts in the state, such as Guna, Satna, Shivpuri, and Tikamgarh, also saw temperatures climbing to 44°C, while Rewa registered 43.6°C. These scorching temperatures came amidst intermittent thunderstorms and rain, adding an unpredictable element to the weather across the region.
Temperatures continued to rise even with the stormy weather. In Satna, the temperature was recorded at 44.1°C, while Rewa saw 43.6°C, Sidhi at 42.4°C, Damoh at 41.5°C, and Umaria at 40.5°C. Sagar recorded 40.2°C, and Raisen saw temperatures at 40°C. These figures indicate that while storms brought some relief in certain areas, the oppressive heat continued to grip the state.
Among the major cities in Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur was the hottest after Gwalior, with the temperature reaching 40.3°C. In contrast, Bhopal experienced a relatively milder temperature of 38.4°C, while Indore recorded 36.9°C and Ujjain reached 39°C.
Despite these high temperatures, weather conditions shifted dramatically in several districts, including Dindori, Seoni, Burhanpur, Khargone, Mandla, Anuppur, Seoni, Balaghat, Pandhurna, Betul, and Dhar, where storms and cloudy weather were reported. In Bhopal, cloud cover interrupted the bright sunshine, but the combination of high temperatures and humidity made the weather hot and uncomfortable, keeping the day temperature around 38.4°C.
In Barwani, a sudden weather change occurred after 1:30 PM, bringing heavy rain for 20 minutes, which helped temporarily cool down the area. However, the storm caused significant damage in Mandu, particularly in Rampura and Naka premises, where kutcha roofs of two or three houses were blown away. The storm also caused the collapse of a house wall, and a wedding tent in the garden of Rani Roopmati Hotel was torn down.
As the state continues to battle this extreme weather, the Meteorological Department has issued a heat wave warning for the northern districts of Madhya Pradesh starting May 17. This alert warns of hot winds expected to increase the temperature by 2 to 3°C in these areas, exacerbating the already intense heat.
A senior meteorologist explained that cyclonic circulation and turf activity over Madhya Pradesh are contributing to the rain, thunderstorms, and increased temperatures. While the rainfall provides some relief, the hot weather is expected to intensify over the next few days. The meteorologist indicated that the combination of storms and heat will likely continue for the next two to three days, particularly in the northern regions of the state.
Residents of Madhya Pradesh have been advised to take precautions during this unpredictable weather, with authorities urging the public to stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. The IMD continues to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as the monsoon season approaches.
As the monsoon season approaches, meteorologists are urging the public to prepare for further fluctuations in weather patterns. While the intense heat is expected to continue in the coming days, the rains are anticipated to bring a temporary respite. The ongoing storms and rainfall have provided some relief to farmers in areas like Raisen and Chhindwara, where water shortages were becoming a concern. However, experts warn that the sporadic rainfall could cause localized flooding in low-lying areas, especially in urban centers like Bhopal and Indore, where drainage systems may struggle to cope with the heavy downpours.
