MP heatwave intensifies; Rajgarh records 45°C as mercury set to rise

Heatwave grips half the state, IMD warns of 2–3°C rise over next four days; noon–3pm outdoor advisory in effect

A severe heat spell continued to scorch large parts of Madhya Pradesh on Monday, with Rajgarh recording the highest temperature in the state at 45°C and weather offices warning of a further 2–3°C rise over the next four days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heat-related alerts for several districts and advised people to avoid stepping out between 12pm and 3pm.

Heat peaks in Rajgarh

According to IMD Bhopal, Rajgarh recorded 45°C on Sunday, the highest reading reported in the state. Several other towns logged extreme readings: Ratlam 44.8°C, Khandwa 44.5°C and Nougaon-Khajuraho 44.4°C. In all, temperatures crossed 43°C in at least 16 urban centres on Sunday, officials said.

Wider alert map

The meteorological office listed two categories of concern. A heat-wave or “loo” alert was in effect for districts including Gwalior, Shyopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Sagar, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Damoh, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Maihar, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Barwani, Khandwa, Burhanpur and Khargone. In these areas daytime temperatures were expected to remain above 43–44°C.

A separate advisory said other major centres — including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur and several districts in west and central Madhya Pradesh — would not have an official “loo” alert but would still experience very hot conditions.

IMD prognosis and timing

IMD forecasters said daytime temperatures were likely to climb by about 2–3°C over the next four days, driven by persistent clear skies and dry westerly winds. “The maximum impact of heat will be between 12pm and 3pm,” an IMD bulletin from Bhopal noted. Local officials have been asked to keep close watch on vulnerable groups and essential services.

Health and safety advisory

State health authorities reiterated standard precautions: drink plenty of water, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear light cotton clothing and seek shade during mid-day hours. Officials emphasised special care for children, elderly people and those with chronic illnesses. Several municipal corporations have opened drinking water points and directed community health workers to monitor heat-related illnesses in urban slums and peri-urban pockets.

Ground reality and public response

In parts of Bhopal and Indore, residents were seen covering faces with cloth and avoiding outdoor activity in the late morning. Street vendors and labourers reported stepping out earlier in the day to avoid the peak heat, while schools and some local bodies adjusted timings for outdoor work. “We try to finish most of the work early morning,” said a construction supervisor in Indore (name withheld). Local hospitals reported a moderate uptick in heat-stress cases, mainly dehydration and exhaustion, over the weekend.

Recent rainfall context

The heat comes after an unusually active start to May, when the state saw rain, thunderstorms and squalls on many days. IMD records show that between April 30 and mid-May the state experienced multiple western disturbances and convective activity, leaving 14 out of the first 17 days of May affected by rain or storms. That pattern eased from May 11, and dry conditions returned, allowing temperatures to climb rapidly.

City-wise trends

Historical context shows wide variability across the state. Gwalior and parts of western MP are prone to particularly high peaks; Gwalior’s all-time record of 48.3°C dates to 1947. Ujjain, Indore and Jabalpur have also recorded extreme May temperatures in past decades, and May often brings a mix of high heat and intermittent pre-monsoon showers in different pockets.

What to watch next

IMD said no widespread rain was expected over the next 48–72 hours for most of Madhya Pradesh, though isolated showers cannot be ruled out in some eastern districts. Authorities have urged citizens to monitor local advisories, keep emergency numbers handy and check on vulnerable neighbours. Municipal and health departments have been asked to remain alert as the state braces for at least four more days of intensified heat.

MP Weather Update: Rain and Hail Alert Issued for 45 Districts; Jabalpur, Katni at Risk

A potent combination of cyclonic circulations and trough lines has triggered a massive weather shift across Madhya Pradesh, with the IMD predicting thunderstorms and hail for the next 24 hours.

A relentless spell of turbulent weather continues to grip Madhya Pradesh as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a comprehensive rain and thunderstorm alert for 45 districts. The state, which has been reeling under erratic climatic shifts for the past four days, is expected to witness isolated hailstorms in the Mahakaushal and Bundelkhand regions, specifically targeting Jabalpur, Katni, and Chhatarpur.

According to senior meteorologists at the Bhopal Forecast Centre, the current instability is driven by two active trough lines and two cyclonic circulations hovering over the western and northern parts of the state. This system has already brought significant pre-monsoon showers to Satna and Chhatarpur on Friday, providing a temporary reprieve from the rising mercury but raising concerns for standing crops.

Severe Hailstorm Warnings Issued

The Meteorological Department has placed Jabalpur, Panna, Damoh, and Katni under an 'Orange Alert' for Saturday. These areas are likely to experience hailstorms accompanied by gusty winds.

Residents in these districts have been advised to stay indoors as the intensity of the storm could lead to localized damage to temporary structures and orchards.

Widespread Rain Across State

Thunderstorms and lightning are anticipated in major urban centers, including Bhopal, Gwalior, and Indore. The alert extends across a vast geographical belt covering Rewa, Sagar, and Ujjain divisions.

Districts such as Raisen, Vidisha, Sehore, and Narmadapuram are also on high alert. Light to moderate rainfall is expected to persist through the weekend, keeping the maximum temperature below the 40°C mark for now.

High-Speed Winds Expected

The IMD has warned of "squally winds" reaching speeds of 50–60 km/h in several districts until April 7. In other parts of the state, wind speeds are expected to hover between 30–40 km/h.

Officials indicated that these strong winds are a result of the moisture-laden Western Disturbance currently interacting with local heat pockets, creating high-convection zones across the central plains.

Fresh System from April 7

While the current spell may show signs of weakening by Monday, another Western Disturbance is slated to become active from April 7. This secondary system will likely extend the period of unseasonal rain until April 10.

"The frequency of these systems is unusual for early April," a weather official noted. "This sequence of disturbances is delaying the onset of the typical summer heatwave usually seen this time of the year."

Anticipated Heatwave in Late April

Despite the current cooling trend, experts warn of a sharp U-turn in temperatures during the second half of the month. Once the rain systems exit, the mercury is expected to soar rapidly.

Forecasts suggest that by the last week of April, districts like Gwalior, Khargone, and Barwani could see temperatures touching 44–45°C. The southern and western parts of the state remain particularly vulnerable to hot "Loo" winds.

Impact on Agriculture Sector

The recurring spells of hail and rain in February and March have already caused extensive damage to wheat, papaya, and banana plantations in 17 districts.

State authorities are currently assessing the latest impact on the Rabi harvest. Farmers have been urged to move harvested produce to safer locations as the rain and storm alert remains active for the next 72 hours.

Safety Guidelines for Citizens

The administration has issued a Public Interest Story advisory, urging citizens to avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles during lightning.

As per reports from the state disaster management team, people should unplug electronic appliances and secure loose outdoor items to prevent accidents during high-velocity wind spells. This Latest News Today serves as a critical reminder of the volatile atmospheric conditions currently prevailing over Central India.

Chhattisgarh Rain Alert: IMD Warns of Thunderstorms, High Winds for Five Days

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a five-day alert for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds across Chhattisgarh. Officials said wind speeds could reach 40 to 50 km per hour, with scattered light to moderate rain expected in several districts from Friday onwards.

Five-Day Weather Alert

The weather office has forecast thunderstorm activity over most parts of central and northern Chhattisgarh for the next 120 hours. Southern districts may see isolated showers during the first three days. The alert remains in effect until Wednesday next week, according to a bulletin issued from the IMD’s Raipur centre.

High Winds Expected

Wind speeds are likely to touch 50 km per hour during peak thunderstorm activity. Officials have cautioned residents against venturing out during squalls. Loose structures, hoardings, and thatched roofs could face damage. Power lines may also be affected in rural pockets.

Temperature to Drop

Day temperatures are expected to drop by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius after an initial rise over the next 48 hours. “Central and north Chhattisgarh will see a marginal increase in maximum temperatures first, followed by a gradual fall,” an IMD scientist explained. Southern parts, however, will witness no major change in mercury levels for the next three days.

Past 24 Hours Data

In the last 24 hours, Pendraroad recorded 10 mm of very light rainfall. Rajnandgaon remained the hottest location in the state with a maximum temperature of 39.5 degrees Celsius. Durg logged the lowest minimum at 20.4 degrees. No major weather-related damage has been reported so far.

Raipur’s Cloudy Outlook

The state capital is likely to remain partly cloudy through the weekend. The maximum temperature in Raipur will hover around 39 degrees Celsius, while the minimum could settle near 25 degrees. Short spells of rain or thundershowers are possible in the evening hours, said local meteorological sources.

Advice for Residents

The state disaster management authority has advised farmers to postpone harvesting and pesticide application until conditions improve. People have been urged to stay indoors during lightning and avoid shelter under trees. District control rooms have been placed on standby.

What Lies Ahead

The weather system is being driven by an upper air cyclonic circulation over central India. Officials said the intensity of rain may reduce after five days, but isolated thundershowers could continue in northern districts. A fresh western disturbance may influence the region later next week, though no immediate alert has been issued.