Madhya Pradesh faces record extreme weather events in 2024

In the first nine months of 2024, India faced extreme weather on 255 out of 274 days, making it one of the most severe years. Over 93% of the days saw events like heatwaves, heavy rains, and storms, resulting in 3,238 deaths, damage to 3.2 million hectares of cropland, and the destruction of over 235,000 houses. Madhya Pradesh (MP) was one of the worst-hit states, grappling with extreme weather nearly every other day. 

Madhya Pradesh, among hardest-hit states

According to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Madhya Pradesh faced extreme weather events on 176 out of 274 days, and experienced 353 fatalities from between January and September 2024, second only to Kerala.

The state’s agricultural sector suffered greatly, with 25,170 hectares of crop area damaged—one of the highest in the country. The impact of extreme weather affected not just farming but also led to significant economic and infrastructure damage.

A sudden increase in extreme weather events was noticeable in Madhya Pradesh during the winter months. The state experienced severe cold waves disrupting daily life and farming. Temperatures dropped significantly, affecting crops like wheat and mustard. Unexpected lightning storms added to the fatalities. With 7 days of extreme weather, MP was among the most affected regions in India.

Pre-Monsoon (March-May), heatwaves and crop damage

As the pre-monsoon season began, extreme weather events escalated. Madhya Pradesh recorded extreme weather on 49 out of 92 days, making it the worst-hit state in India during this period. Heatwaves were intense, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, causing widespread heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

Storms and unseasonal rain had a significant negative impact on farmers while they were harvesting. In March, 24,925 hectares of crops were damaged, affecting wheat and gram. The erratic weather delayed harvesting and caused significant losses, straining the state's agricultural economy.

Monsoon (June–September), floods & heavy rains

The monsoon season brought relentless rain and severe weather, with Madhya Pradesh experiencing extreme events on 105 out of 122 days. Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, particularly in urban areas like Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur. Flash floods led to waterlogging, damaging homes, infrastructure, and farmland.

During this period, the state recorded 67 fatalities due to lightning strikes, floods, and other weather-related incidents. The continuous heavy rains affected kharif crops, including paddy, soybean, and maize, causing extensive agricultural losses. Flooded fields and soil erosion posed long-term challenges for farmers, reducing crop yields and affecting future planting seasons.

August and September, deadly heat & floods

The late monsoon period, especially August and September, was devastating for Madhya Pradesh. In August, 65 people died due to extreme weather events. The month of September saw unusually high temperatures, breaking state records for minimum temperatures.

Madhya Pradesh was the worst-affected region in the country during this month, with extreme weather reported on 26 out of 30 days. The state saw 104 fatalities in September, largely due to intense lightning and flooding.

Impact on agriculture and rural livelihoods

The agricultural sector, the backbone of Madhya Pradesh’s economy, faced severe challenges due to unpredictable weather.

• Winter Crops: Cold waves affected key winter crops like wheat, causing lower yields and financial stress for farmers.

• Kharif Crops: Heavy monsoon rains damaged paddy, soybean, and maize crops. Flooded fields caused soil erosion, impacting agricultural productivity in future seasons.

• Horticultural Impact: Erratic weather affected fruits and vegetables, disrupting supply chains and increasing local market prices.

Extreme weather events in Madhya Pradesh reflect a broader Central India trend, where climate change is causing more frequent and severe disruptions. The increase in extreme weather days highlights the urgency for improved weather forecasting and disaster preparedness.

Experts suggest Madhya Pradesh adopt adaptive agricultural practices and strengthen infrastructure to cope with climate change. Improved irrigation systems, better crop insurance schemes, and early warning systems could help mitigate impacts on farmers and reduce economic losses.

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