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.

Madhya Pradesh is caught between two weather extremes this week — scorching heat pushing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in several districts, and a fresh Western Disturbance now becoming active that will bring rain, thunderstorms, and hail to parts of the state over the next four days. The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for eight districts and warned that temperatures will remain dangerously high in cities like Bhopal and Indore even as some areas receive relief from showers.

Bhopal, Indore Baking Under Intense Heat

The second week of March has delivered punishing heat across Madhya Pradesh. On Friday, Narmadapuram recorded a daytime temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day, making it one of the hottest spots in the state. Temperatures have remained above 40 degrees in parts of the state for the past two days running.

Major cities are feeling the full intensity of the heat. Bhopal recorded 37.8 degrees Celsius, Indore 37.6 degrees, Jabalpur 37.5 degrees, Ujjain 37.4 degrees, and Gwalior 36.1 degrees. With the exception of Pachmarhi, nearly every major city in the state recorded temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius on Friday.

Hot, dry winds blowing in from desert regions to the west are a key driver of the heat spike. Wind direction has shifted from north-east to west and north-west, and humidity levels have fallen sharply — conditions that are intensifying the heat across Gwalior, Chambal, Ujjain, Indore, Bhopal, Narmadapuram, and Sagar divisions.

Western Disturbance Activates From March 15

A fresh Western Disturbance became active from March 14 and its effects will begin showing across the state from March 15. The Meteorological Department has forecast changes in weather conditions for approximately three days as this system moves through.

Districts that will receive rain and may experience hailstorms from March 15 include Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, and Anuppur. These areas can expect light to moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds and the possibility of hailstorms in isolated pockets.

For cities like Bhopal, Indore, and Gwalior, partial cloud cover and the possibility of thunderstorms and light rain have been forecast over the coming days. Districts and areas that do receive rainfall may experience a slight drop in both maximum and minimum temperatures. However, the rest of the state will continue to face high heat with no immediate relief in sight.

April and May to Be Severely Hot

The current heat is being treated as an early signal of an extreme summer ahead. The Meteorological Department has warned that April and May will be the hottest months of the year, with temperatures likely to cross 45 degrees Celsius in divisions such as Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar. Cities including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Narmadapuram will also face severe scorching conditions during this period.

Meteorologists have warned that heatwave spells this summer could last 15 to 20 continuous days — a dramatic departure from the usual one to two-day heatwave periods that residents of the state are accustomed to. Residents and farmers are being advised to prepare accordingly and take precautions against prolonged heat exposure in the weeks ahead.

Advisory for Farmers and Residents

Farmers across the state have been advised to complete harvesting of wheat and gram crops before rain and hail arrive in alert districts, and to move harvested produce to safe, covered locations. Residents in districts under rain and thunderstorm alert should avoid open spaces and stay indoors during evening hours when storm activity is most likely. Those in cities still under heat conditions are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure between 11 AM and 4 PM, and keep elderly and children indoors during peak heat hours.