Heatwave in Madhya Pradesh, temperatures cross 40°C in several cities

Madhya Pradesh is dealing with severe heat as temperatures in many cities have crossed 40°C. On Sunday, 14 cities, including Bhopal, Ujjain, and Gwalior, recorded maximum temperatures above this mark. Ratlam hit the highest at 42.6°C, followed by Narmadapuram at 42.2°C and Khajuraho at 42°C. Ujjain and Guna recorded 41°C. Bhopal and Mandla reached 40.5°C. Gwalior touched 40°C. Indore stood at 39.8°C, Jabalpur at 39.6°C, and Betul at 39°C. Cities like Satna, Malajkhand, and Chhindwara also recorded temperatures close to 40°C.

Dr. Divya E. Surendran from the Meteorological Department in Bhopal explained the sudden rise. “The earlier weather system, which brought rain and hail, has passed,” she said. “Now, hot winds from the west are heating up the region.” She added that a new western disturbance might become active by April 8, which could bring light rain to the eastern part of the state.

The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert starting Tuesday. Districts near Rajasthan are expected to feel the worst of it. Dr. Vedprakash Singh, Scientific Director at the Bhopal Meteorological Centre, said, “This heatwave could last up to 10 days in many places. April will bring mixed weather. The first half might see some rain, but the second half will be extremely hot.” He warned that the final week of April may be the hottest.

The department shared a weekly weather forecast for April. In the first week, night temperatures will stay between 21°C and 24°C—2 to 3 degrees above normal. Daytime temperatures in Indore, Sagar, and Narmadapuram divisions will range between 39°C and 42°C. Bhopal, Gwalior, and Ujjain will see highs between 38°C and 41°C. Light rain is possible in several districts. There will be no heatwave in the first week.

In the second week, Indore, Ujjain, and Chambal divisions will have night temperatures between 23°C and 26°C. Cities like Bhopal, Jabalpur, Sagar, Rewa, Shahdol, and Narmadapuram will experience near-normal night temperatures. Day temperatures in Indore, Gwalior, Chambal, Rewa, and Shahdol divisions may rise to 41–43°C. A short heatwave may occur for 2 to 3 days. There is a small chance of rain, though clouds may form due to another western disturbance.

During the third week, strong north-western winds will push minimum temperatures to 25–27°C in most areas. Daytime temperatures will likely remain between 42°C and 44°C. The heatwave may continue for 2 to 3 days, and some districts may get light rain.

In the fourth week, night temperatures may rise to 27–30°C—3 to 4 degrees above normal. Gwalior, Chambal, Sagar, and Rewa could see 43–45°C, while Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain may reach 41–44°C. Cyclonic circulation over Bengal may lead to another 3 to 4 day heatwave in late April.

The department also shared historical weather data. Bhopal recorded 44.4°C on April 29, 1996. It received 30.8 mm of rain on April 20, 2013, and 22.6 mm in 2023. Indore hit 44.6°C on April 25, 1958, and got 22.3 mm of rain in April last year. Between 2014 and 2024, it rained in April during six of those years. Jabalpur saw a peak of 45.4°C on April 28, 1970, and received 50.3 mm of rain on April 3, 1935. Last year, it got 20.2 mm of rain. Gwalior recorded 46.2°C on April 28, 1958, and 67.6 mm of rain on April 22, 1909. Its temperatures crossed 44°C several times in recent years. Ujjain reached 45.2°C on April 18, 2010. Between 2014 and 2023, it crossed 43°C twice and recorded more than 1 inch of rain last April.

The department expects the heatwave to last for 15 to 20 days during April and May. Hot winds may blow for 30 to 35 days. April and May are usually the hottest months in the state, but this year, many cities crossed 41°C as early as mid-March.

Dr. Surendran called the early rise in temperature unusual. “Avoid going out between noon and 4 PM,” she advised. “Drink plenty of water and wear light cotton clothes.” She also urged people to stay updated with official weather alerts. The department warned that the coming weeks will bring more heatwaves and short rain spells, with no long-lasting relief expected.

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