16 Cities Cross 45°C

At least 16 weather stations across India recorded maximum temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius or more on Sunday, as a harsh heatwave tightened its grip over large swathes of the country.

The highest was logged at Banda in Uttar Pradesh, where the mercury touched 47.6 degrees. That is 5.4 degrees above the long-term normal for this time of year, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The readings are based on observations made on April 27, 2025.

Rajasthan Among Worst-Hit

Rajasthan continued to bear the brunt of the extreme heat. Jaisalmer reported 46.4 degrees – a departure of nearly five degrees from the 1991-2020 baseline. Kota recorded 45.7 degrees, while Churu and Phalodi were not far behind at 45.3 and 45.4 respectively.

Officials said the absence of any significant western disturbance over northwest India has allowed dry, hot air to prevail across the region. There is also little cloud cover, which has caused daytime temperatures to spike sharply.

Central India Feels the Burn

The heat is not limited to the northern plains. Several stations in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh also breached the 45-degree mark.

Amravati in eastern Maharashtra recorded 46.6 degrees, while Wardha and Akola reported 46.5 and 46.3 respectively. Adilabad in Telangana touched 45.3. In Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho – famous for its temple complex – recorded exactly 46 degrees.

Locals and tourists in these areas have been struggling with the daytime conditions. According to people familiar with the situation, outdoor activity has visibly thinned after 11 am in most towns.

IMD’s Baseline and What Is ‘Normal’

The IMD defines “normal” based on a 30-year average from 1991 to 2020. Any reading that exceeds this by 4.5 degrees or more falls under the severe heatwave category in the plains.

In most of the 16 stations listed, the departure from normal ranged between 2.2 and 5.4 degrees. At Jaisalmer, the 4.9-degree departure is notably high even by April standards, which are typically the hottest pre-monsoon months.

Health and Power Concerns

Officials have not yet released any heat-related casualty figures, but local authorities in affected districts have begun issuing advisories. Residents are being asked to avoid stepping out between noon and 3 pm, and to stay hydrated.

Power grids in parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are under strain due to the increased load from cooling appliances. Sources familiar with ground-level conditions said some rural areas experienced brief outages during peak afternoon hours, though restoration has been prompt so far.

Schools in a handful of districts have adjusted their timings, starting early and closing by lunch.

No Immediate Relief in Sight

The IMD has indicated that similar conditions are likely to persist over the next 48 to 72 hours. There is no forecast of any large-scale thunderstorm activity that could bring down the mercury.

Weather analysts tracking the situation said the intensity may ease slightly towards the end of the week, but only marginally. Until then, residents across north, northwest, and parts of central India will have to brace for more days of severe heat.

The data, which was compiled by IMD and shared late Sunday evening, serves as a stark reminder that April 2025 is on track to be among the hotter months in recent years.

MP Heatwave Alert: 20 Districts on Red Alert Today

Night Temperatures Remain High

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe heatwave warning for Friday across 20 districts of Madhya Pradesh. Officials confirmed that night temperatures have also remained unusually high, adding to public discomfort. According to sources, the affected regions include Ratlam, Alirajpur, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, and Balaghat, among others. Weather experts indicate that the combination of scorching day heat and warm nights could intensify health risks.

Schools Reschedule Morning Classes

Local administrations in Raisen and Anuppur have modified school timings effective immediately. Classes will now operate from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM only. In Dindori, all schools from nursery to standard VIII will follow the same schedule starting Friday. Officials stated the decision was taken to protect young children from potential heat-related illnesses. Parents have welcomed the move, as per local reports.

Day Temperature Crosses 43 Degrees

Narmadapuram recorded the season’s highest temperature on Thursday at 43 degrees Celsius. Ratlam followed closely at 42.8 degrees, while Damoh and Mandla touched 42 degrees. Other cities like Shajapur, Guna, and Chhindwara also reported temperatures above 41 degrees. Among major cities, Jabalpur remained the hottest at 41.4 degrees, followed by Ujjain at 40.7 degrees. Bhopal and Gwalior both recorded 40.5 degrees, while Indore settled at 40.1 degrees Celsius.

Night Temperature Stays Unusually Warm

The meteorological department noted that night temperatures across several cities remained elevated on Thursday night. Sagar recorded the highest minimum at 27 degrees Celsius. Narmadapuram saw 25.6 degrees, while Bhopal, Tikamgarh, and Satna logged 24 degrees. Chhindwara and Seoni recorded 24.8 and 25.4 degrees respectively. Officials explained that warm nights prevent the body from recovering from daytime heat exposure, increasing the risk of heat stress.

Relief Possible on April 19-20

The weather department has indicated a possible change in conditions over the weekend. Officials said some districts may experience rainfall on April 19 and 20. This could provide temporary relief from the ongoing heatwave. However, authorities have cautioned that the rain outlook remains uncertain and urged citizens not to lower their guard. The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely.

Public Advisory Issued for Safety

The state health department has released a heatwave advisory in coordination with the IMD. Citizens have been advised to drink sufficient water throughout the day and keep the body hydrated. Officials recommend avoiding prolonged sun exposure between noon and 3 PM. People should wear lightweight, light-coloured cotton clothing. Special attention has been urged for children, elderly persons, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Second Half of April Historically Hot

Weather data shows that the second fortnight of April traditionally marks the peak of summer heat in Madhya Pradesh. Officials recall that in April 1996, Bhopal recorded an all-time high of 44.4 degrees. Gwalior has previously touched 46.2 degrees in 1958. This year, the early part of April saw unseasonal rain and hailstorms across 45 districts. However, the current heatwave pattern aligns with the typical April-May summer trend, as per government updates. Citizens are advised to stay tuned to official weather bulletins.

MP Heatwave Alert: 16 Districts on Red Alert as Temperatures Cross 42 Degrees

IMD Issues Severe Warning

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for 16 districts across Madhya Pradesh. Officials confirmed this is the season’s first major heatwave alert covering multiple divisions. Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram, and Jabalpur are among the affected regions.

Districts on High Alert

According to the weather department, the heatwave will impact Ratlam, Jhabua, Dhar, Alirajpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Betul, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla, and Balaghat. Earlier warnings were active for Chhindwara, Pandhurna, and Mandla following heat-like conditions.

Mercury Crosses 42 Degrees

Wednesday saw the season’s highest temperatures so far. At least 25 cities recorded maximum temperatures of 40 degrees or more. Chhatarpur’s Naugaon was the hottest at 42.4 degrees. Khajuraho followed closely at 42.2 degrees, while Ratlam touched 42 degrees.

Narmadapuram recorded 41.8 degrees, Satna 41.7, and Mandla 41.6 degrees. Officials said the heat spell will persist for at least four more days.

Indore and Gwalior Sizzle

Among major cities, Indore touched 40 degrees while Gwalior reached 40.2 degrees. Bhopal recorded 39.5 degrees, Ujjain 39.7, and Jabalpur 39.9 degrees. Schools in Burhanpur, Harda, and Ratlam have already revised their timings due to the heat.

Weak System From April 16

A new weather system will become active on April 16. However, officials indicated it will remain weak. The impact will largely remain confined to the western Himalayan region. A separate trough remains active over the state for now.

Public Health Advisory Issued

The IMD has released a detailed advisory for residents. Officials have asked people to drink sufficient water throughout the day. Citizens should avoid prolonged sun exposure during afternoon hours. Light cotton clothing has been recommended for everyone.

Special attention is needed for children and elderly persons. Dehydration remains a primary concern during such extreme heat events.

Unusual April Rainfall Pattern

Interestingly, this April began with an unusual weather pattern. The state witnessed thunderstorms and hailstorms for nine consecutive days from April 1 to April 9. More than 15 districts reported hailstorms while 45 districts received rainfall.

Officials noted that the second fortnight of April typically brings intense heat. This year appears to follow the same historical trend after an unusually wet first week.

What Next

The heatwave is expected to continue across central and western MP for the next 96 hours. Officials are monitoring temperature fluctuations daily. Citizens have been advised to check for updated government updates before stepping out during peak afternoon hours.

Heatwave Alert in Multiple MP Districts as Temps Near 44°C

Madhya Pradesh heatwave alert has been issued by the India Meteorological Department for several districts, with maximum temperatures likely to touch 44°C in the coming days. Ratlam recorded the state’s highest temperature of 41.2°C on Monday even as the monsoon-like rains of early April have completely withdrawn.

Ratlam Emerges Hottest

Ratlam stood out as the hottest place in Madhya Pradesh on Monday, clocking 41.2°C. Dhar, Narmadapuram and Khargone also crossed the 40°C mark, while Jabalpur recorded 39.2°C, Ujjain 39°C and both Bhopal and Indore touched 38.8°C.

Heatwave to Intensify

The IMD has warned of severe heatwave conditions on 16 and 17 April in Ratlam, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar and Khargone. Similar warnings have been issued for Khandwa, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mandla and Balaghat. Hot winds will also affect Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain divisions during this period.

New System Offers No Relief

A fresh weather system is expected to become active from 15 April, but officials say it is too weak to bring any significant cooling or rainfall. With the withdrawal of clouds and rain, the sun has begun showing its full intensity across the state.

April’s Typical Heat Pattern

April’s second fortnight is historically the hottest period in Madhya Pradesh. Past records show Gwalior touching 45°C and Bhopal 44°C. The current spell fits this seasonal trend, with the mercury already climbing steadily after nine straight days of rain and hail between 1 and 9 April that had provided temporary relief to over 45 districts.

City-Wise Heat History

Bhopal’s highest April temperature stands at 44.4°C recorded on 29 April 1996. Indore saw 44.6°C on 25 April 1958, while Jabalpur touched 45.4°C on 28 April 1970. Gwalior’s April peak is 46.2°C from 1958. Ujjain recorded 45.2°C in April 2010. These figures underline the potential for further spikes in the coming weeks.

Public Caution Advised

Health authorities have urged residents to avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated and wear light cotton clothes. Farmers and daily-wage workers in the affected districts have been asked to reschedule heavy field work to early morning or late evening.

Monitoring Continues

The IMD will continue to monitor the situation closely. While the weak weather system may bring some cloud cover later in the week, no major drop in temperatures is expected in the immediate future. Residents in the listed districts are advised to keep a close watch on official updates for any further escalation.

MP Weather Alert: New System Active Across State, 34 Districts on High Alert for Thunderstorm and Rain

3-day spell of strong winds and rainfall predicted; Bhopal and Gwalior among affected regions with wind speeds reaching 50-60 km/h.

A fresh weather system has become active over Madhya Pradesh, triggering an alert for thunderstorms, rainfall, and gusty winds across 34 districts including Bhopal and Gwalior. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhopal has issued a warning valid until April 9.

New System Activates

The latest weather disturbance has brought significant change to the state's atmospheric conditions. Officials confirmed that northern and eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh will witness the maximum impact over the next three days. The system is expected to remain active from April 7 to April 9, with afternoon hours likely to see the most intense activity.

Wind Speeds and Impact

According to IMD forecasts, wind speeds during this spell could reach 50 to 60 kilometres per hour in several districts. Other affected regions may experience gusts between 30 and 40 km/h. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during outdoor activities, particularly in the afternoon when weather conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly.

Districts on Alert

The districts placed under alert include Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Datia, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Bhopal, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Agar-Malwa, Ujjain, Ratlam, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Sagar, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Maihar, Katni, Umaria, Shahdol, Dindori, and Anuppur.

Hailstorm Damages Crops

Earlier instances of severe weather have already caused agricultural damage across the state. Reports from Rewa's Tyonthar region indicate that hailstorms have destroyed standing crops. Farmers in affected areas are assessing the damage to wheat and other Rabi season crops, raising concerns about potential yield losses.

Previous Weather Activity

The state witnessed strong weather activity between April 4 and April 6. On April 4 alone, 14 districts reported hailstorms while 39 districts experienced intense thunderstorms and rainfall. Sunday continued the pattern of changing weather, with Monday also seeing scattered showers across various locations. This marks the fourth instance of weather fluctuation in February and March combined.

Future Outlook

Weather officials indicate that another Western Disturbance is likely to activate over northwestern parts of the country on April 11. This system could extend its influence to Madhya Pradesh as well. Meanwhile, temperatures across major cities including Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior have historically crossed 43 degrees Celsius in April, though current weather patterns may keep temperatures in check during this active spell.

Residents in vulnerable districts are advised to stay updated with local weather announcements and avoid unnecessary travel during peak afternoon hours when thunderstorm activity is expected to be at its highest.

A powerful weather system is sweeping across Madhya Pradesh — and ignoring it could cost you dearly.

Madhya Pradesh is once again at the mercy of the skies. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a sweeping MP weather alert 2026, covering 36 districts across the state and warning residents of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms over the next 72 hours. This is not a routine seasonal update — it is an urgent call to action for millions of residents, farmers, and city dwellers alike.

What Is Driving This Weather Crisis?

The culprit is a triple atmospheric threat. A powerful weather system has taken hold over Madhya Pradesh, activated by the simultaneous influence of two atmospheric troughs and an active cyclonic circulation. On top of that, a western disturbance is intensifying through March 21 before gradually easing, according to the IMD's Bhopal meteorological centre.

This is not an isolated event. February 2026 saw four rounds of volatile weather, including hailstorms, unseasonal rain, and damaging winds. March has picked up exactly where February left off.

Which Districts Are Under Alert?

The geographic spread of this alert is alarming. Districts in central and western Madhya Pradesh — including Bhopal, Indore, Raisen, Sehore, Vidisha, Narmadapuram, Khandwa, Burhanpur, and Khargone — are likely to face severe thunderstorms accompanied by hail and winds reaching 40–50 km per hour.

The eastern belt is equally at risk. On March 20, storm activity shifts eastward, affecting Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Sagar, Sidhi, Singrauli, Rewa, Satna, Shahdol, Umaria, Katni, Panna, and Damoh. Meanwhile, an orange alert has been issued for Morena, Gwalior, Bhind, and Datia due to severe thunderstorms.

Farmers on the Frontline — Again

Perhaps the most devastating impact of this hailstorm alert in Madhya Pradesh falls on the farming community. Rain and hailstorms can be severely damaging to standing wheat and gram crops still in the fields. This is the crop-harvest window, and the timing could not be worse. State government teams have been deployed to conduct agricultural surveys and assess crop losses, as farmers report significant damage to standing produce from earlier rounds of this year's volatile weather.

Farmers in vulnerable zones should complete harvesting immediately and move their produce to covered storage before the next wave hits.

City Life Disrupted — Bhopal to Gwalior

Urban residents are not spared either. In cities including Bhopal, rain and strong winds have caused waterlogging and disrupted traffic flow, with several roads in low-lying areas inundated. Power outages are a recurring consequence, as storms have knocked out electricity across hundreds of localities throughout this season.

What Comes After the Storm?

Do not mistake the temporary relief from heat as good news in the long run. 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.

The message is clear: this brief stormy spell is just a pause before an extreme summer.

What You Should Do Right Now

The IMD's MP weather alert 2026 demands a practical response — not panic, but preparation. Stay indoors during peak storm hours. Keep emergency supplies ready. Follow official updates from the state disaster management authority. And if you are a farmer, treat the next 24 hours as a deadline, not a suggestion.

Madhya Pradesh's weather in 2026 is proving to be one of the most turbulent in recent memory. Staying informed is no longer optional — it is essential.