Unseasonal rain and hailstorms disrupt Nautapa period as IMD issues alerts for 47 districts across the state

A powerful midnight storm accompanied by gusty winds swept through Bhopal and several other districts of Madhya Pradesh late Saturday, bringing much-needed relief from scorching temperatures but also causing widespread disruption. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for 47 districts, with eight districts on orange alert for heavy rain and hailstorms.

Midnight Winds Rattle Capital

The storm picked up intensity around 12:30 am and continued till 3 am, with wind speeds touching 40-60 kilometres per hour. Several localities in Bhopal faced power cuts lasting hours. By Sunday morning, parts of the city experienced light drizzles.

Local residents reported uprooted trees and damaged structures. In one instance, a television dish antenna came crashing down from a rooftop. No casualties have been reported from the capital so far.

 Orange Alert for Eight Districts

According to IMD Bhopal officials, Devas, Sehore, Rajgarh, Agar-Malwa, Chhatarpur, Katni, Maihar, Umarkhed, and Shahdol are on orange alert. These districts may witness heavy rainfall accompanied by hailstorms.

The remaining 47 districts, including Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Ujjain, are under yellow alert with warnings of thunderstorms, lightning, and light to moderate rain.

Lightning Strike Turns Fatal

In a tragic incident reported from Amarkantak, two teenagers died after being struck by lightning on Saturday evening. The deceased have been identified as 18-year-old Harsh Tandia and 17-year-old Aarti Verma. Another 17-year-old girl, Radha, sustained injuries.

The three were returning home after attending a community feast following the conclusion of a religious discourse when the weather suddenly turned severe. Officials confirmed that the lightning struck around 4 pm during intense thunderstorm activity in the area.

 Temperature Plunges Across State

The unseasonal weather has brought down maximum temperatures significantly. Naugaon in Chhatarpur district, which recorded 46.6 degrees Celsius on May 27, saw mercury plummet to 35.5 degrees on Saturday — a drop of over 11 degrees.

Data from the weather department shows that 20 cities recorded maximum temperatures below 40 degrees on Saturday. Among major cities, Gwalior touched 35.6 degrees, Jabalpur 38.2, Indore 38.8, Ujjain 39, while Bhopal settled at 40 degrees.

Narsinghpur remained the hottest location in the state at 43.2 degrees.

Unusual Weather During Nautapa

The ongoing Nautapa period — traditionally associated with intense heat — has this year brought unseasonal rain and hailstorms instead of heatwave conditions. The nine-day period began on May 25.

Weather records indicate that Bhopal has witnessed rainfall during Nautapa in seven of the past fourteen years. The trend of pre-monsoon showers in May appears to be strengthening, with all five major cities of the state recording May rainfall in most years between 2014 and 2023.

Forecast for Coming Days

Officials indicate that the weather system remains active. Sunday is expected to see continued thunderstorm activity across most districts. From May 31 onwards, no heatwave warnings have been issued, suggesting that the spell of unseasonal rain may persist.

Residents in affected districts have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorm activity and avoid venturing out in open areas.

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.