MP Heatwave Alert From May 12 as Rain, Storm Activity Weakens

The spell of rain and thunderstorms across Madhya Pradesh is expected to ease from Sunday, with temperatures likely to rise sharply over the next few days. The IMD has issued a heatwave alert for parts of western MP from May 12, while cities including Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain may see daytime temperatures climb by 2°C to 4°C.

After nearly 10 days of intermittent rain, gusty winds and cloudy conditions, Madhya Pradesh is now heading into its first major heat spell of May. The weather shift became visible on Saturday itself, when several districts recorded humid and warmer conditions despite scattered rainfall in some regions.

Heatwave Warning Issued

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather systems that had been triggering storms and rain over the state are gradually weakening. Senior weather scientist Dr. Divya E. Surendran said conditions are likely to remain largely clear from May 10 onward, allowing temperatures to rise steadily.

A heatwave alert has been issued for parts of western Madhya Pradesh on May 12 and 13. The impact is expected to be more visible in districts such as Ratlam, Dhar and adjoining areas where temperatures are already climbing.

Ratlam recorded one of the highest daytime temperatures in the state on Saturday at 44°C.

Rainfall In Several Districts

Even as the transition toward hotter weather begins, isolated rain and thunderstorms continued in parts of the state on Saturday evening due to the combined influence of a trough and cyclonic circulation.

Rain and gusty winds were reported from Bhopal, Betul, Seoni, Pandhurna, Dindori, Anuppur, Raisen, Guna, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Sagar, Jabalpur, Damoh, Balaghat, Mandla, Umaria, Shahdol and Chhindwara.

Cloud cover persisted in several cities through the day, preventing temperatures from rising further in some regions.

Ten-Day Weather Shift

Madhya Pradesh has witnessed unusually active pre-monsoon weather since April 30. Between April 30 and May 9, many districts saw repeated spells of rain, thunderstorms and strong winds.

At different points, western disturbances, trough activity and cyclonic circulation influenced weather patterns over central India. The first week of May, which typically remains dominated by dry heat, instead brought regular showers across large parts of the state.

Meteorologists now say that phase is weakening, paving the way for a sharper rise in daytime temperatures this week.

Temperatures Likely To Rise

Weather officials expect maximum temperatures across Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior and Jabalpur divisions to rise gradually over the next three to four days.

The increase could range between 2°C and 4°C depending on local conditions. In western districts, dry winds and stronger sunlight may intensify heat stress during afternoon hours.

While nighttime temperatures are also expected to rise, the immediate concern remains the sharp increase in daytime heat after days of relatively mild weather.

Advisory For Residents

With heat conditions likely to intensify, the weather department has also issued a public advisory urging people to take precautions.

Residents have been advised to drink sufficient water throughout the day and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during afternoon hours. Authorities have recommended wearing light-coloured cotton clothing and keeping children and elderly people protected from excessive heat.

Doctors usually see an increase in dehydration and heat-related illnesses during sudden temperature spikes in May.

Long-Term May Pattern

Data from previous years show that May in Madhya Pradesh often witnesses both extreme heat and occasional rainfall activity.

In Bhopal, temperatures have touched 46.7°C in the past, while rainfall has also been recorded consistently during the month over the last decade. Indore and Gwalior too have a history of sharp heat spells, with Gwalior once recording 48.3°C.

Jabalpur and Ujjain have similarly experienced alternating phases of intense heat and pre-monsoon showers in May. Meteorologists say such fluctuations are common during the seasonal transition period before the southwest monsoon advances toward central India.

For now, however, the immediate trend indicates that the stormy phase is ending and hotter conditions are likely to dominate across Madhya Pradesh through the coming week.