Heavy pre-monsoon showers in Gwalior and Morena bring respite as the Met issues loo alerts for six districts

A sudden shift in weather brought intermittent rain to Gwalior from around 6am on Friday and heavy downpours to parts of Morena, offering a brief break from the searing pre-monsoon heat as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a mix of heatwave and storm alerts across Madhya Pradesh.

Rain arrives early
Residents in Gwalior reported spells of rain beginning at about 6am, with showers continuing on and off through the morning, local officials said. In Morena, the rain came down more intensely in the early hours, leaving wet roads and a cooler feel in the neighbourhoods close to the Chambal plains.

Alerts across the state
The IMD has put six districts — Gwalior, Morena, Shyopur, Niwari, Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur — on an orange alert for severe loo (hot wind) conditions. A wider set of 27 districts, including Bhopal, Jabalpur, Vidisha and Sagar, carry a yellow heatwave alert with maximum temperatures expected to remain above 43°C in many places.

At the same time, forecasters warned of thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated hail over pockets of the state between May 29 and June 1. The department’s four-day forecast said Friday would see a mix of heat, rain and possible hail, while widespread rain and thunderstorm activity is likely from May 30 onwards, temporarily replacing heatwave conditions in most divisions.

Local damage and earlier storms
The weather change follows violent storms that hit Rewa and adjoining areas on Thursday night. Local officials and media reports said strong gusts uprooted trees and electricity poles, tore off tin roofs and damaged signboards in market areas. Authorities in affected towns carried out preliminary assessments and restoration work on power lines and municipal clearing of fallen debris.

High temperatures earlier in May
The state has been under intense heat since the start of nautapa (the peak summer period). Since May 25 several towns recorded extreme highs: Khajuraho and Naugaon topped the list with temperatures touching and exceeding 46°C on some days. On Thursday, 10 stations recorded temperatures of 45°C or above; Khajuraho recorded a maximum of 46.5°C, while Rajgarh, Datia, Damoh-Malajkhand and Tikamgarh also reported readings above 45°C.

Gwalior’s long-term extremes
Gwalior, one of the hotter urban centres in the state, has seen temperatures cross 47°C in the past, with a record high of 48.3°C on May 30, 1947. This year the city registered a high of 44.7°C earlier in May before the recent showers offered temporary relief.

Health advisory issued
IMD meteorologist H.S. Pandey advised people to avoid outdoor activities between noon and 3pm when heat is most intense, and to stay hydrated. “If travel is unavoidable, carry water, wear light cotton clothes and avoid strenuous work in the afternoon,” he said. Authorities have urged special care for children, the elderly and outdoor workers. Hospitals and health departments in several districts have been asked to be alert for heatstroke cases.

Pets and livestock risk
Local veterinarians warned that pets and livestock are also at increased risk during nautapa. With many towns recording temperatures above 45°C earlier this week, vets recommended limiting pet walks to early morning and late evening, providing shade, and ensuring constant access to drinking water for farm animals.

Outlook and next steps
The IMD forecast indicates a continuing active spell from May 30 to June 1, with a likelihood of thunderstorms and isolated hail in parts of the state and no statewide heatwave alerts during those three days. However, pockets in Indore and Narmadapuram divisions may still see lingering high temperatures. District administrations have been asked to keep relief measures ready, monitor vulnerable populations and coordinate with power and municipal departments to respond to storm-related damage.

For residents, the immediate message is simple: expect changing conditions — from intense heat to sudden storms — over the coming 72 hours and plan outdoor activities accordingly.