Large parts of Madhya Pradesh are reeling under severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures crossing 42°C across several districts. Rajgarh recorded the state’s highest temperature at 45°C on Sunday, while 11 districts saw temperatures above 43°C and four districts crossed the 44°C mark.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that temperatures may rise by another 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next four days. Authorities have advised people to avoid stepping outdoors between 12 noon and 3 pm due to extreme heat conditions.
Heatwave alert issued in multiple districts
According to the IMD office in Bhopal, a heatwave alert has been issued for Monday in Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Sagar, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Damoh, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Maihar, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Barwani, Khargone, Khandwa and Burhanpur.
Temperatures in these regions are expected to remain above 43°C and may touch 44°C.
Intense heat likely in Bhopal and Indore too
Although no formal heatwave alert has been issued for Bhopal, Indore and several other districts, residents are expected to experience intense heat conditions.
Districts likely to witness severe daytime heat include Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Agar Malwa, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Dewas, Sehore, Harda, Narmadapuram, Betul, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, Katni, Umaria, Shahdol, Mauganj, Sidhi and Singrauli.
Temperatures above 43°C in 16 cities
On Sunday, Rajgarh recorded the highest temperature in the state at 45°C.
According to the IMD, Ratlam recorded 44.8°C, Khandwa 44.5°C, Nowgong and Khajuraho 44.4°C, Guna 43.7°C, Sheopur, Raisen and Narsinghpur 43.6°C, Datia, Shajapur and Damoh 43.4°C, Khargone and Tikamgarh 43.2°C and Dhar 43.1°C.
Among the state’s five major cities, Ujjain recorded 43°C, Bhopal 42.7°C, Indore 42.8°C, Gwalior 42.6°C and Jabalpur 42.3°C.
Advisory: Avoid going out between noon and 3 PM
Meteorologist H.S. Pandey said the impact of the heat would be most severe between 12 noon and 3 pm. He advised residents to leave their homes only if necessary during peak afternoon hours.
He added that most parts of Madhya Pradesh are likely to experience extreme heat on May 17, 18 and 19.
Rain and Storm activity dominated earlier this month
Before the current heatwave intensified, Madhya Pradesh had witnessed continuous spells of rain and thunderstorms beginning April 30.
The state experienced rainfall for 11 consecutive days until May 10 due to the impact of western disturbances, cyclonic circulation systems and trough activity. Weather conditions again turned unstable on May 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
As a result, rain, thunderstorms or hailstorms affected the state on 14 out of the first 17 days of May.
However, the Meteorological Department did not issue any rainfall alert for Sunday.
IMD issues public safety advisory
With temperatures rising sharply, the IMD has advised people to drink sufficient water throughout the day and keep themselves hydrated.
Residents have also been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, wear light-coloured cotton clothes and take special care of children and elderly family members.
The department reiterated that heat intensity remains highest between 12 pm and 3 pm and urged people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during those hours.
