The last 15 days of March in Madhya Pradesh will feel like April, with temperatures expected to rise above 40°C in most cities. The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert for four days, and conditions are likely to last 20 days in April and May. Indore, Ujjain, and Gwalior-Chambal regions are expected to be the hottest.
Temperature rising rapidly
The state experienced fluctuating weather patterns in the first half of March weather. The first week was unusually cold, with night temperatures in Bhopal and other cities breaking 10-year records. However, as the month progressed, temperatures began rising, with noticeable heat during Holi.
Dr. Vedprakash Singh, a senior scientist at the Meteorological Department, stated, “Rainfall in March will be below normal, temperatures will be above normal, and a heatwave will prevail in the state from March.”
Dr. Divya E. Surendran from the Meteorological Department explained, “After March 15, when the cities exceed 40 degrees Celsius, the hot air effect will be seen. Before this, the mercury crossed 39 degrees in Khajuraho, Narmadapuram, Ratlam, and Mandla.”
What is a Heatwave?
According to the Meteorological Department, “If the day temperature exceeds 40 degrees or 4.6 degrees above normal, it’s a heatwave.” Many MP cities have recorded temperatures 3-4 degrees higher than usual, so the state may experience heatwave conditions by next week.
Historically, April temperatures in Bhopal have ranged between 40.9°C and 43.7°C. Other cities have recorded similar high temperatures: Indore (39.7°C to 43.5°C), Jabalpur (40.7°C to 44.2°C), Gwalior (41.7°C to 45.2°C), and Ujjain (40°C to 43.9°C).
The weather department predicts “April and May will be the hottest months this year, with temperatures possibly exceeding 45 degrees in Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar. Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Narmadapuram will also be hot.”
Late March weather forecast
From March 15, night temperatures in Indore division may rise by 3-4 degrees to 20-23°C. Other divisions may see 19-21°C. Day temperatures statewide will be 36-40°C, 2-4 degrees above normal. Some regions, especially in eastern and southern MP, may experience cloudy skies and light drizzles due to western disturbances and southeastern winds.
By late March, Rewa and Shahdol could see night temperatures of 22-24°C, while Bhopal and other regions may experience 23-26°C, which is 3-4 degrees above normal. Daytime temperatures will range from 37°C to 42°C statewide, exceeding normal levels by 3-5 degrees. Gwalior, Chambal, Indore, Ujjain, Sagar, and Rewa divisions, along with Rajgarh, Sehore, Vidisha, Betul, and Harda, may face 3-4 days of heatwave conditions.
With rising temperatures and prolonged heatwave conditions expected, people are advised to take precautions and stay hydrated to combat the extreme heat.
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