IMD Alert for 29 Districts  

The India Meteorological Department has placed 29 districts on alert from April 1 to 4 as a fresh spell of storms and rain sweeps Madhya Pradesh. The warning covers Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior and several other areas. In the next 24 hours, weather will shift in Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Maihar, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Shahdol, Anuppur, Agar-Malwa, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Sehore, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Khargone, Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar and Barwani.

Storms and Rain to Begin April  

A cyclonic circulation and trough remain active across the state. A Western Disturbance will strengthen from April 2, triggering storms and rain at isolated places till April 4. The system will then withdraw, paving the way for rising temperatures. Officials said the first week of April will stay unsettled before heat builds steadily.

Recent Temperature Surge Noted  

Day temperatures already crossed 40 degrees Celsius in several places on March 31. Narmadapuram recorded 40.3 degrees, the highest in the state. Khajuraho touched 39.2 degrees, Ratlam and Nowgong 39 degrees each, while Damoh stood at 38.4 degrees and Khargone at 38 degrees. Among major cities, Bhopal and Jabalpur recorded 37 degrees, Indore and Gwalior 36.6 degrees and Ujjain 36 degrees.

Gwalior-Chambal Region Hottest  

From April 15, intense heat will grip the state. The Gwalior-Chambal region will turn the hottest, followed by Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain and Sagar divisions. Weather experts expect maximum temperatures to climb sharply in the second and last week of April. Places such as Gwalior, Dhar, Khargone, Barwani, Nowgong and Khajuraho could touch 44-45 degrees in the final week.

Heatwave Criteria Explained  

According to IMD norms, a heatwave occurs when the maximum temperature stays 5 degrees above normal. In plains — which cover most of Madhya Pradesh — it is declared when temperatures cross 40 degrees. A severe heatwave is announced at 6.5 degrees above normal. Such conditions are common in Gwalior-Chambal, Ujjain and Sagar divisions during peak summer.

Volatile Weather Hits Feb-March  

The state saw four major weather changes in February and March. No rain fell in January, but February brought two rounds of hailstorms, rain and strong winds that damaged crops. A third spell struck between February 18 and 21, while the fourth arrived on February 23-24. In March, the first fortnight saw high heat. The second fortnight turned wet, with storms and rain affecting more than 45 districts and hail falling in 17 districts. Wheat, papaya and banana crops suffered heavy losses. Another round hit on March 26-27, followed by widespread storms and rain on March 29-30. The government has already surveyed damaged farmlands.

Crop Losses Raise Concern  

Hail fell in 12 districts over the past two days alone. On Tuesday, Kukshi and Manawar in Dhar received hailstones. Night temperatures also dropped in many areas after the spells. Farmers in rain-fed regions now face uncertainty as summer advances.

Outlook Remains Cautious  

With the heatwave phase set to dominate after April 4, residents and farmers have been advised to stay prepared. The Madhya Pradesh heatwave is expected to intensify through the month, particularly in southern and western parts where hot winds blow early. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely as April progresses.