Madhya Pradesh is set to witness a sharp rise in temperature starting April 10, signaling the beginning of an intense heatwave phase. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) office in Bhopal, daytime temperatures across the state are expected to increase by 5 to 6 degrees Celsius over the next few days. This rise comes after a brief spell of rain and thunderstorms that had kept temperatures relatively lower.

Rain and thunderstorm alert in seven districts

Despite the upcoming heatwave, weather activity remains active in parts of the state. The IMD has issued a 24-hour alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall in districts including Mandla, Seoni, Balaghat, Umaria, Shahdol, Dindori, and Anuppur. These regions may experience gusty winds, rain showers, and lightning, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.

Recent rainfall brought temporary relief

On Wednesday, more than 15 districts including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Dhar, and Ratlam recorded rainfall and strong winds. This weather activity resulted in a noticeable dip in daytime temperatures, offering short-term relief from the heat.

Cyclonic systems influencing weather patterns

Meteorologists have attributed the recent weather fluctuations to three active cyclonic circulation systems affecting northern, eastern, and western parts of the state. These systems led to widespread rain and storm activity. Even in Bhopal, light showers and strong winds were recorded due to these developments.

Western disturbance to develop on April 11

A new western disturbance is expected to become active over northwestern India on April 11. However, its impact on Madhya Pradesh is likely to be minimal. The state will gradually transition toward hotter and drier conditions despite occasional cloud cover.

Strong winds expected across the state

The IMD has also warned of strong winds accompanying the current weather system. Wind speeds may reach 40 to 60 km per hour in some districts, while other regions could see speeds between 30 and 40 km per hour. The weather is expected to shift mainly during the afternoon hours, bringing temporary instability before stabilizing into hotter conditions.

April and May remain peak summer months

Traditionally, April and May are the hottest months in Madhya Pradesh, similar to how winter peaks in December–January and monsoon intensifies in July–August. This year, however, the weather pattern has been slightly unusual, with frequent rain and storm activity extending into early April.

Frequent weather changes since February

The state has experienced multiple weather shifts since February. While January remained mostly dry, February and March saw four significant spells of rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms. These events caused considerable damage to crops such as wheat, papaya, and banana, prompting government surveys to assess losses.

Temperature trends in major cities

Data from the past decade shows that cities like Bhopal and Indore have recorded temperatures up to 43°C in April, while Jabalpur has touched 44°C. Gwalior remains one of the hottest cities, with temperatures often crossing 45°C.

Historical temperature records highlight extreme heat

Bhopal recorded its highest April temperature of 44.4°C on April 29, 1996. Indore saw a peak of 44.6°C on April 25, 1958. Jabalpur reached 45.4°C on April 28, 1970, while Gwalior recorded an extreme 46.2°C on April 28, 1958. Ujjain has also witnessed temperatures exceeding 45°C in April in recent years.