Temperatures cross 44°C in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district, with no immediate relief in sight for at least three more days

The second day of Nautapa turned out to be a trial by fire for Rewa residents on Tuesday, as the mercury touched 44 degrees Celsius by early afternoon. Streets that are usually bustling with activity wore a deserted look, with only the occasional auto-rickshaw braving the heat.

What has officials particularly worried is the overnight temperature. The minimum settled around 28 to 29 degrees, offering little window for the human body to recover from daytime exposure.

Heat Already Building Before Nautapa

Weather data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) shows the current spell didn't arrive suddenly. Even before the nine-day Nautapa period formally began, Rewa was already simmering. On May 23, maximum temperature touched nearly 45 degrees. The following two days recorded readings between 43 and 44 degrees.

Local authorities confirmed that the district hasn't seen nighttime temperatures drop significantly for nearly a week now, a pattern that typically precedes more severe heatwave conditions.

Three More Days of Discomfort

If IMD's city forecast holds, residents shouldn't expect any major relief soon. For May 26, the maximum is expected to hover between 43 and 44 degrees. May 27 could touch 44 degrees again, while May 28 will likely see similar readings.

Night temperatures are projected to stay within 28 to 29 degrees. This means even after sunset, the air retains enough heat to make sleeping difficult without artificial cooling.

'Feels Like Fire Raining'

Ground-level responses paint a grim picture. Rajesh Patel, a resident of Gudh area, told local reporters that stepping out past noon has become nearly impossible. "It feels like fire raining down," he said.

Sunita Mishra, another resident, pointed to the hot winds — locally called 'loo' — that continue well past sunset. "Even at night, there's no peace. These hot winds don't stop," she said.

Initial reports from community health centres in the district have not indicated major heat-related hospitalisations yet, but officials are bracing for a possible rise in cases over the next 48 hours.

Heatwave-Like Conditions Likely to Persist

The IMD has indicated that Rewa may continue to experience heatwave-like conditions for the next few days. A brief advisory issued through district administration channels urged people to avoid direct sunlight during afternoon hours, drink adequate water even if not feeling thirsty, and step out only when absolutely necessary.

Vulnerable groups — the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions — have been advised to remain indoors between 11 am and 4 pm.

For now, Rewa waits. And the heat shows no signs of letting up.