Bhopal sees season’s hottest day, IMD warns of storms and hail

Bhopal recorded its hottest day of the season on May 1. The maximum temperature touched 42.5°C, which is one degree above normal. The minimum temperature was 24.5°C. The earlier highest this season was 42.2°C, recorded on April 18.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts for several districts in Madhya Pradesh. From Friday, May 2, to Saturday morning, different weather changes are likely in the state. Wind speeds could reach 40–50 kmph in 26 districts, including Bhopal. Hailstorms, along with winds of 50–60 kmph, are expected in five districts, including Chhindwara and Pandhurna.

In Bhopal, a thunderstorm and lightning warning is in place for four out of six areas on May 3.

May is known for extreme heat in the region, but it also sees an increase in pre-monsoon activity like hail, thunder, and cloud cover.

Dr. Divya E Surendran from the IMD said, “Such mixed weather is expected in Madhya Pradesh during May. There will be very hot days, but also light rain and clouds on others.”

Data from the last 11 years shows that temperatures in Madhya Pradesh often reach between 45°C and 46°C in May. The highest rainfall recorded in May in the last decade was in 2023, with 58.6 mm. In contrast, May 2024 has seen only 1.6 mm of rain so far.

Storms have caused damage across several parts of India. On May 1, 10 people died due to lightning and falling trees. Four deaths were reported in Delhi and four in Uttar Pradesh. Two people died in Chhattisgarh. The weather also affected air travel. Over 200 flights were delayed at Delhi airport, and three flights had to be diverted.

The IMD expects more weather changes in Northeast and Central India on Friday. Hailstorms are likely in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Odisha, and the northeastern states of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

Meanwhile, North India may see dust storms. IMD forecasts strong winds and dust storms in Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab.

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