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Madhya Pradesh faces severe weather with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms affecting several districts. Farmers are distraught as their ripe crops have been damaged due to the sudden weather change.
The Meteorological Department has issued a hailstorm alert for Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Dindori, Katni, Mandla, Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, and Morena. Strong winds, lightning, and thunderstorms are expected in Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Panna, Damoh, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Maihar, and Pandhurna.
In recent days, parts of the state have seen cloudy skies and continuous rainfall. In Sehore, light drizzles were reported, while Sagar district experienced moderate rainfall. Other affected districts include Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, and Singrauli.
Wind speeds have increased, with Umaria at 36 km/h, Seoni 34 km/h, and Shahdol 30 km/h. These strong winds, along with rain and hail, have worsened the situation for farmers.
The weather has heavily impacted farmers. In Rewa district, 2.6 mm of rainfall was recorded, affecting wheat, mustard, pulses, and oilseeds. In Satna and Maihar, gooseberry-sized hail fell in over 100 villages, damaging standing crops. Strong winds flattened wheat fields, leaving farmers worried about their harvest.
Farmers warn that if bad weather continues, losses will grow. Many are counting their damages, as the sudden hailstorm hit crops ready for harvest.
Meteorologists explained the sudden change is due to multiple weather systems. A Western Disturbance in Jammu and Kashmir, a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, and two trough lines in Madhya Pradesh have caused rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms in many parts of the state.
Weather experts predict unstable conditions for the next two days, with light rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms in various state areas. After March 22, temperatures are expected to drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, bringing temporary relief from the rising heat. By March 25, the heat is likely to return, with temperatures increasing again.
Meteorologists predict this weather pattern will continue for two days. On Friday, Satna recorded a maximum temperature of 33.1°C and a minimum of 20.8°C. The humidity was 75% in the morning and 46% in the evening. Several districts, including Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Dindori, and Katni, are on alert for more hailstorms. Other areas, like Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Satna, Jabalpur, and Chhatarpur, may experience thunderstorms with strong winds.
Many farmers are worried about their future. With no way to protect their crops from extreme weather, they fear financial losses. Some are demanding government help and compensation for their damaged crops.
As the unpredictable weather continues, authorities advise people to stay alert. Farmers hope for relief, but experts warn similar conditions may return after March 24.
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