Heatwave scorches Madhya Pradesh; rain likely in some districts on April 26-27

The heatwave in Madhya Pradesh continues to intensify, with temperatures crossing 44 degrees Celsius in many cities. In Bhopal, the heat is so severe that the asphalt on the roads has started to melt. Amid this scorching weather, the Meteorological Department has predicted light rainfall in some parts of the state on April 26 and 27.

According to the forecast, rain is likely in the eastern and southern districts including Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla, and Balaghat. However, before the rains arrive, the entire state remains under a heatwave alert.

On Thursday, a heatwave is expected in 21 districts, including Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Narmadapuram, Betul, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Umaria, Satna, Panna, Damoh, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari. Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Jabalpur are also experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures likely to soar beyond 42 degrees Celsius.

Senior meteorologist Dr. Divya E. Surendran said that Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, and Sagar divisions will be among the hottest on April 24 and 25. Following this, there may be relief in the form of light rain in some eastern and southern districts for a couple of days.

On Wednesday, Ratlam was the hottest city in the state, recording a temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius. Narmadapuram, Khajuraho, and Mandla followed with 43.2 degrees, while Seoni recorded 42.6 degrees. Other cities like Tikamgarh, Shivpuri, Rewa, and Malanjkhand also reported temperatures above 42 degrees. Bhopal recorded 40.6 degrees, Indore 41 degrees, Ujjain 41.7 degrees, and Gwalior 41.2 degrees Celsius.

The entire state is experiencing hot days and warm nights. The north-western winds have pushed the minimum temperatures 3 to 4 degrees above normal, hovering between 27 to 30 degrees Celsius. Gwalior, Chambal, Sagar, and Rewa divisions may see daytime temperatures rising to 43-45 degrees Celsius. In other regions, including Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain, the mercury may range from 41 to 44 degrees.

The ongoing heatwave is driven by a cyclonic circulation system over the Bengal region, which could continue for another 3 to 4 days. The weather pattern this April has been a mix of extreme heat and occasional rainfall. In the first week, the maximum temperatures across several divisions ranged from 39 to 44 degrees Celsius.

The second week brought strong winds, rain, hail, and thunderstorms to about 80 percent of the state, though some areas still suffered under heatwave conditions. The third week again saw a rise in temperatures due to strong north-western winds.

A study based on 10 years of weather data shows that the second half of April typically brings a sharp increase in temperatures across Madhya Pradesh. In recent years, Bhopal and Indore have touched 43 degrees, Jabalpur 44 degrees, and Gwalior has even crossed 45 degrees Celsius. This year appears to be following the same trend, with several cities already experiencing record-breaking heat.

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