MP Weather: State Records 10°C Drop During Hot 'Nautapa' Period

This year's final week of May, traditionally known as 'Nautapa' - one of the hottest periods in Madhya Pradesh - has taken an unexpected turn. Instead of scorching heat and blazing sunshine, the state is witnessing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and significantly cooler temperatures across multiple districts.

The weather deviation is remarkable when viewed through statistical data. Madhya Pradesh's average temperature has dropped by up to 10 degrees Celsius compared to last year's readings during the same period. This dramatic shift has brought relief to residents who typically endure temperatures soaring to 47-48 degrees Celsius during May.

On Sunday, several cities including Mandla, Chhindwara, and Betul received substantial rainfall. Mandla recorded nearly half an inch of precipitation, while major cities like Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jabalpur, and Gwalior experienced significantly lower daytime temperatures.

Temperature readings across the state paint a picture of unusual coolness. Pachmarhi recorded the lowest temperature at 29.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Malajkhand at 30.6 degrees, Chhindwara at 31 degrees, Betul at 31.5 degrees, and Seoni at 32 degrees. Major urban centers also remained relatively cool with Bhopal at 34.8 degrees, Indore at 33.8 degrees, Gwalior at 38.5 degrees, Ujjain at 35.5 degrees, and Jabalpur at 34.5 degrees. Only Khajuraho touched the 40-degree mark, while most other locations enjoyed cooler conditions.

The contrast with last year is striking. During the first day of Nautapa in 2024, 35 cities recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. This year, most places experienced considerable cooling, providing unexpected respite from the typical summer heat.

The India Meteorological Department has issued weather alerts for 44 districts, including Indore and Jabalpur, warning of continued rainfall and thunderstorms. Wind speeds in districts like Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla, and Balaghat could reach up to 60 kilometers per hour.

Meteorologists attribute this unusual weather pattern to three active cyclonic circulations creating stormy and cool conditions. This weather system is expected to persist for the next four days, maintaining the current pattern of intermittent rainfall and moderate temperatures.

However, this climatic shift brings mixed consequences. Tendu leaf collectors have faced direct impacts, as insufficient heat in May has left tendu leaves immature, creating collection challenges. Similarly, unseasonal rainfall and storms have caused significant damage to mango crops across the state.

The early arrival of monsoon-like conditions is noteworthy, with continuous rainfall occurring for 19 consecutive days. The southwest monsoon has already entered India approximately eight days earlier than usual, suggesting broader climatic pattern changes affecting the region's traditional weather cycles.

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