Heavy rains and hailstorm in Madhya Pradesh, weather alert issued

Madhya Pradesh has started experiencing hailstorms and rain. Late-night heavy rains with thunder and lightning were reported in Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain. On Friday, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Betul, and Alirajpur had similar weather, and the pattern is expected to persist.

According to the IMD, wind speeds in affected districts could reach 40–50 km/h. Heavy rain lashed Guna late Friday night, with 20.4 mm recorded during an hour-long downpour starting at 11:10 pm. Sheopur’s temperature plunged from 17°C to 11°C due to the rain and chilly winds. In Itarsi, rain lasted over seven hours, causing power outages in parts of the city.

The meteorological department warned of hailstorms and rain for 12 districts, including Narmadapuram, Chhindwara, and Tikamgarh. Light rain and cloudy skies are predicted in 25 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Jabalpur. Shajapur has had continuous rain since Friday evening, while Tikamgarh reported intermittent overnight rains and dense fog on Saturday morning.

Senior meteorologist Dr. Divya E. Surendran explained the current weather, “A Western Disturbance is active in the state. Moisture from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal fuels this hail and rain period. The weather will remain similar for the next 24 hours, after which severe cold conditions are expected from January 1.”

In Shajapur, consistent rain since Friday evening led to wet streets and colder weather, while in Itarsi, rain lasting over seven hours caused localised power outages. Guna experienced an hour of heavy rain late Friday night, recording 20.4 mm of precipitation.

Weather forecast for coming days

The IMD has predicted:

• 28 December: Hailstorms and rain in 12 districts, including Umaria, Katni, and Chhindwara, with wind speeds of 30–40 km/h. Light rain and cloudy skies expected in 25 districts, including Bhopal, Vidisha, and Indore.

• 29 December: Light to moderate fog is likely in Bhopal, Shivpuri, and Gwalior.

• 30 December: Widespread fog is expected in Neemuch, Ashoknagar, and Datia.

Madhya Pradesh has recorded colder conditions this December than January, with Bhopal experiencing its coldest December in 58 years. The lowest recorded temperature in Bhopal was 3.1°C on December 11, 1966. In 2021, temperatures dipped to 3.4°C in mid-December. This year, the city has witnessed similar cold, with trends indicating a prolonged period of low temperatures and dense fog statewide.

Rains, power outages, cold intensifies

Heavy rains in Ujjain disrupted power supply in Mahakal Lok, and strong winds caused tree falls. Ratlam and Indore reported waterlogged streets, while Shajapur experienced overnight rainfall. In Jabalpur, heavy rain resumed early Saturday, lowering temperatures and intensifying cold conditions.

Meteorologist Ved Prakash said, “Once the current system passes, the state will experience a sharp rise in cold weather. Severe cold conditions are expected from December 31 onward, lasting throughout January.”

• Indore: Rain intensified the cold, with residents experiencing biting winds late into the night.

• Ujjain: A tree fell during heavy rains and winds, causing disruptions.

• Ratlam: Roads were waterlogged after continuous rain.

• Itarsi: Prolonged rainfall and power outages affected parts of the city.

• Jabalpur: Heavy rains resumed Saturday morning, causing a significant drop in temperature and a resurgence of cold weather.

Residents should prepare for colder days ahead and remain cautious amid the forecasted weather challenges. Stay tuned for updates.

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