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Heatwave in Madhya Pradesh as temperatures cross 45 degrees. Photo credit: Ground Report
Madhya Pradesh is facing extreme heat after a 44-day stretch of storms and rain. On Monday, the temperature crossed 45°C in seven cities. The weather department has issued a heatwave alert for 11 districts for the next two days.
The rise in temperature began as soon as storms and rain stopped across the state. Bhopal, Gwalior, and several other cities are now experiencing Nautapa-like heat. Bhopal recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4°C, the highest for May and June this year.
According to the Meteorological Department, no rain or storm activity is expected for now. A heatwave alert is in place for Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, and Panna.
Day temperatures in cities like Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Jabalpur may reach 42°C to 43°C.
Khajuraho Hottest in State
Chhatarpur's Khajuraho recorded the highest temperature on Monday at 45.8°C.
Dr. Surendran from the Meteorological Department said,
"We are witnessing strong heat after the end of continuous weather disturbances. Systems like cyclonic circulation and western disturbance remained active through May. That kept temperatures lower than usual."
The temperature data from major cities across Madhya Pradesh.
| City | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| Khajuraho | 45.8 |
| Tikamgarh | 45.4 |
| Gwalior | 45.2 |
| Sagar | 45.2 |
| Narmadapuram | 45.2 |
| Guna | 45.0 |
| Naugaon | 45.0 |
| Bhopal | 43.4 |
| Jabalpur | 42.6 |
| Ujjain | 42.0 |
| Indore | 39.6 |
| Raisen | 43.0 |
| Damoh | 43.2 |
| Rewa | 42.4 |
| Shivpuri | 42.5 |
| Sidhi | 41.6 |
| Umaria | 40.5 |
| Satna | 40.8 |
| Seoni | 40.2 |
| Chhindwara | 40.4 |
| Malajkhand | 40.9 |
| Mandla | 40.3 |
| Shajapur | 42.1 |
| Narsinghpur | 41.7 |
| Ratlam | 41.8 |
| Pachmarhi | 36.6 |
Rainfall Records Broken in May
Unusual weather patterns defined the entire month of May. Every day, some district in the state received rainfall or experienced a storm. It lasted for 43 consecutive days from April 26 to June 7. The last day of storm activity was Sunday.
This was the first time in state history that May saw more storms and rain than heat. All 53 districts except Niwari saw measurable rainfall. Niwari had only drizzle.
Dr. Surendran explained the reason,
"Cyclonic circulation and trough systems remained active throughout May. This brought frequent storms, rain, and even hail."
This unusual weather pattern broke long-standing rainfall records in several cities. Indore received 114.8 mm of rain in May, the highest in 139 years. The previous record was 107.7 mm, set in May 1886. Ujjain recorded 111.8 mm of rain, surpassing its previous record of 65 mm from 2021.
Monsoon Delay Continues
Monsoon has been stuck in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh for 12 days. The weather department now expects it to reach Madhya Pradesh by June 15.
Dr. Surendran said,
"There's no sign of monsoon movement for the next two or three days. Until it arrives, the heat will persist in many regions."
She added that before the monsoon enters, temperatures often spike.
"In the last 10 years, pre-monsoon heat has been most intense in Gwalior-Chambal. This year is showing a similar trend."
What to Expect Next
The department has forecast heatwave conditions for the next two days in the districts of Gwalior, Chambal, and Sagar divisions. Some areas may continue to see brief local weather changes. Rain may return from June 12, but relief from heat is expected only after the monsoon enters fully.
Night temperatures are also climbing. In many cities, the difference between day and night temperatures is shrinking.
Dr. Surendran added,
"Even though storms may return for a few days, it won't bring a full drop in temperature. The real relief will come only after the monsoon reaches central MP."
Madhya Pradesh is now facing intense heat after weeks of rain and storms. With the monsoon delayed and temperatures crossing 45°C in several cities, the next few days will test the state's readiness to handle extreme weather. The heatwave alert remains in place, and residents in affected districts must stay prepared until the monsoon brings lasting relief, expected by mid-June.
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