Madhya Pradesh endured a scorching Friday with temperatures surging across the state, marking the hottest day of the season so far. The state capital Bhopal recorded a season-high of 42.2°C, while Khajuraho topped the charts with a sweltering 44.6°C, followed closely by Guna at 44.3°C and Nowgong at 44°C.
This is the first time this season that 28 cities in Madhya Pradesh crossed the 40°C mark, signaling the arrival of severe summer heat. Other major cities also experienced their highest temperatures of the season, including Gwalior (43°C), Ujjain (42.8°C), Jabalpur (42.1°C), and Indore (41.7°C). Notable highs were also recorded in Ratlam, Sagar, and Sidhi (43.8°C), Damoh (43.6°C), Satna and Shajapur (43.1°C), and Narmadapuram and Rewa (42.6°C).
Meteorologist VS Yadav confirmed that the rise in daytime temperatures is also pushing night temperatures higher, contributing to persistent discomfort. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted intense heat conditions to persist for the next five days, with an extended three-month hot spell expected across the state.
According to IMD forecasts, Madhya Pradesh could witness 15 to 20 days of heatwaves until May, and 30 to 35 days of hot winds during April and May. The second half of April is likely to be the most extreme, with heatwaves expected to impact several districts.
The first week of April had already seen night temperatures 2 to 3°C above normal, ranging between 21°C to 24°C across most divisions. Day temperatures climbed rapidly, driven by dry westerly winds, reaching 39°C to 44°C in divisions like Indore, Sagar, and Narmadapuram. Cities in Ujjain, Bhopal, and Gwalior divisions saw highs between 41°C and 42°C, with Ratlam even experiencing early heatwave conditions.
While the second week of April brought temporary relief with rain, hailstorms, and thunderstorms affecting around 80% of the state, several regions remained under intense heat.
In the last 24 hours, isolated rainfall was recorded in Bhopal and Ujjain divisions, while other regions remained dry. Heatwave conditions persisted in Ratlam, and warm nights were reported in Bhopal and Ujjain.
Daytime temperatures in Sagar division rose by an average of 2.1°C compared to the previous day, while most other divisions remained stable. Day temperatures were above normal by 1.6°C to 3.0°C in Bhopal, Narmadapuram, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Sagar divisions.
Night temperatures also saw a marked increase. In Bhopal division, the mercury rose by 3.4°C from the previous night. Across Indore, Narmadapuram, Gwalior, and Sagar divisions, minimum temperatures were 2.0°C to 2.5°C above normal, while in Bhopal, Ujjain, Rewa, and Shahdol, they were appreciably above normal by 3.2°C to 3.5°C.
With the summer season beginning early and intensifying rapidly, health officials have advised citizens to stay hydrated, avoid peak sun hours, and take protective measures against heat-related illnesses.
