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Madhya Pradesh is witnessing an unusual spell of weather for the month of May. The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for thunderstorms and rain across 47 districts in the state, including major cities like Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ujjain. This weather pattern is expected to last through the final week of May and will overlap with Nautapa, a period usually known for intense heat.
On Saturday, strong thunderstorms and rain are expected in 20 districts. Wind speeds may reach up to 60 km/h in several areas. At the same time, light rain and thunderstorms are forecasted for 27 other districts. Only a few districts, including Neemuch, Mandsaur, and Tikamgarh, are likely to see clear skies.
Madhya Pradesh has seen storms and rainfall for 23 straight days. On Friday, hail hit Ratlam, while rain and storms affected Umaria, Guna, Singrauli, Shahdol, and Raisen. In Bhopal, heavy rain on Thursday night flooded roads and brought down trees and signboards. This continuous rain has cooled day temperatures in most cities.
Weather alerts
Type of Alert | Districts |
---|---|
Strong Thunderstorm & Rain | Ujjain, Ratlam, Shajapur, Dewas, Barwani, Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Narmadapuram, Betul, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla, Balaghat, Anuppur, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli |
Light Rain & Thunderstorm | Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Sehore, Raisen, Sagar, Narsinghpur, Damoh, Katni, Umaria, Dindori, Maihar, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Dhar, Jhabua, Alirajpur |
Clear Weather Expected | Neemuch, Mandsaur, Agar-Malwa, Sheopur, Morena, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur |
The recent rain has pulled down the day temperature in most regions. On Friday, Bhopal recorded 36°C, Indore 34.4°C, Ujjain 39.7°C, Jabalpur 38.2°C, and Gwalior 40.2°C. Pachmarhi was the coolest at 31.6°C. Only a few cities like Khajuraho, Naugaon, and Shivpuri crossed 41°C.
Despite the rain, the heat is expected to return strongly by the end of May. The Meteorological Department forecasts temperatures above 45°C in several districts, especially in the northern and western parts of the state. Khajuraho and Naugaon may touch 48°C. Gwalior is likely to be the hottest among the major cities, reaching 46–47°C.
List of districts expected to see extreme heat
Temperature Forecast | Districts |
---|---|
48°C (expected) | Khajuraho, Naugaon (Chhatarpur), Prithvipur (Niwari) |
45°C or more | Gwalior, Chhatarpur, Narsinghpur, Niwari, Maihar, Tikamgarh, Bhind, Datia, Khargone, Barwani, Khandwa, Morena, Rajgarh, Raisen, Shajapur, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Vidisha |
44–45°C | Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain |
This pattern of mixed rain and heat began in April. The month started with dry heat and hot winds. By the second week, most districts saw hailstorms and rain. In the third week, north-western winds pushed up the minimum temperatures, while daytime highs stayed between 40–44°C. The unusual weather since April 25 has been driven by Western Disturbance and a cyclonic circulation system.
With a rainy May and a delayed heat peak, this summer stands out from the usual trend in Madhya Pradesh. The coming days may bring more thunderstorms before the heat returns in full force.
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