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Madhya Pradesh is reeling under intense heat as several cities recorded extreme temperatures on Monday. For the first time this May-June season, temperatures in seven cities, including Gwalior and Narmadapuram, crossed 45°C. This level of heat was last experienced in April. In total, 24 cities reported temperatures above 40°C.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Khajuraho in Chhatarpur was the hottest location at 45.8°C. Tikamgarh followed at 45.4°C. Gwalior, Narmadapuram, and Sagar recorded 45.2°C, while Naugaon and Guna each reported 45°C. Among major urban centers, Bhopal recorded 43.4°C, Jabalpur 42.6°C, Ujjain 42°C, and Indore 39.6°C. Pachmarhi, the state's only hill station, reported the lowest temperature at 36.6°C.
The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for Gwalior and Chambal divisions for June 10 and 11. This follows three consecutive days of extreme heat in various districts, with temperatures consistently above 40°C. Officials say that this trend is likely to continue in many parts of the state.
Despite the rising heat, Madhya Pradesh has also experienced an unusually long spell of thunderstorms and rainfall. Starting April 26, various parts of the state recorded some form of storm or rain for 44 straight days, ending June 8. This pattern of weather is considered highly unusual for the peak summer period.
Temperature Data Across Cities in Madhya Pradesh (June 10)
| City | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| Khajuraho | 45.8 |
| Tikamgarh | 45.4 |
| Gwalior | 45.2 |
| Narmadapuram | 45.2 |
| Sagar | 45.2 |
| Naugaon | 45.0 |
| Guna | 45.0 |
| Bhopal | 43.4 |
| Jabalpur | 42.6 |
| Ujjain | 42.0 |
| Damoh | 43.5 |
| Rewa | 43.5 |
| Shivpuri | 43.0+ |
| Shajapur | 43.0+ |
| Sidhi | 42.5+ |
| Umaria | 42.0+ |
| Malajkhand | 42.0+ |
| Ratlam | 41.5+ |
| Narsinghpur | 41.0+ |
| Chhindwara | 40.5+ |
| Seoni | 40.5+ |
| Mandla | 40.5+ |
| Raisen | 40.2+ |
| Indore | 39.6 |
| Pachmarhi | 36.6 |
May, typically one of the hottest months, saw less heat and more rain this year. Every district except Niwari reported some rainfall, with many places setting new records. Indore received 114.8 mm of rain—the highest in 139 years—breaking the previous record of 107.7 mm from May 1886. Ujjain recorded 111.8 mm of rain, the highest for the month in its history.
Meteorologists explain that the unusual weather in May was caused by persistent cyclonic circulation, western disturbances, and trough activity. These systems remained active throughout the month, resulting in continued rain and storms.
Looking ahead, weather experts predict mixed conditions for June. While parts of the state will continue to receive rainfall and thunderstorms till June 12, others will experience rising temperatures. The monsoon, stalled over Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh for 11 days, is not expected to enter Madhya Pradesh before June 15.
Historically, the period just before the monsoon is marked by intense heat, especially in Gwalior-Chambal. Similar trends are expected this year. Day and night temperatures are likely to remain high until the monsoon arrives later in the month.
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