Mercury soars in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho hottest at 41.4°C

The temperature in Madhya Pradesh has been rising, with Khajuraho recording the highest at 41.4°C, marking the hottest day of the season. Several cities, including Gwalior and Jabalpur, have also seen temperatures around 40°C. Other cities such as Damoh, Guna, Shivpuri, Satna, and Sagar recorded 40°C or higher.

The Meteorological Department attributes this rise in temperature to hot winds blowing from the west and southwest over the past three days. However, a slight drop in temperature is expected over the next 2-3 days. Despite this temporary relief, the heat is likely to return in early April, with the possibility of a heat wave in some regions.

According to meteorologist Dr. Divya E. Surendran, hot winds are causing the temperatures to rise, particularly in the Gwalior, Ujjain, and Bhopal divisions. A Western Disturbance is currently active, which might increase wind speed and provide some relief in the coming days.

Initially, a heat wave was predicted for late March, but due to the Western Disturbance, it is now expected in April. The districts in the Malwa-Nimar region, including Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Khargone, Khandwa, and Dhar, are likely to experience high temperatures. A heat wave occurs when the temperature exceeds 40°C or rises 4.6°C above the normal average.

On March 28 and 29, temperatures are expected to drop by 2 to 3 degrees. In major cities like Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Gwalior, temperatures may stay around 38°C. However, April and May are predicted to be hotter, with heat waves lasting 15-20 days. Hot winds may blow for 30-35 days during this period.

In Bhopal, the temperature has reached 39°C, and in past years, it has ranged between 38-41°C in March. Indore has also experienced extreme heat, with the highest March temperature recorded at 41.1°C in 1892. Gwalior often sees fluctuating weather with heat, cold, and occasional rain in March. In 2022, the city reached 41.8°C at the end of March.

Jabalpur experiences warm days and cool nights, with daytime temperatures between 36-40°C and nighttime temperatures averaging around 15°C. Ujjain also sees hot days, with the highest March temperature recorded at 42.5°C in 2010.

Madhya Pradesh is experiencing rising temperatures, with many cities already crossing 40°C. While a slight drop in temperature is expected in the next few days, the heat is likely to increase again in April and May, with prolonged heat waves and hot winds. People are advised to take precautions against the scorching heat.

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