In view of rising temperatures across the country, the Directorate General of Health Services, in coordination with the Ministry of Ayush, has issued a comprehensive public health advisory recommending traditional wellness practices to combat heat-related illnesses.

As heatwave conditions continue to prevail in several parts of India, the Ayush Vertical under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in coordination with the Ministry of Ayush, has issued a comprehensive Public Health Advisory on Extreme Heat/Heatwave for the current summer season. The advisory, released on May 18, 2026, provides detailed guidance for the general public, vulnerable groups, employers, workers, and participants in mass gatherings.

According to the advisory, infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, outdoor workers, and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as heart disease and hypertension are particularly vulnerable during heatwave conditions and require special care and monitoring.

The advisory incorporates traditional wellness and preventive measures from various AYUSH systems. The Ayurveda section recommends cooling dietary practices, intake of hydrating beverages such as buttermilk, coconut water and lemon-based drinks, and use of traditional preparations including Nimbukaphala Panaka (lemonade), Amra Prapanaka (raw mango sharbat) and Chincha Panaka (tamarind drink) to help regulate body temperature during extreme heat.

The Siddha and Yoga sections advise the adoption of cooling refreshments and breathing techniques such as Sheetali Pranayama, along with gentle yoga practices to reduce heat stress. Sheetali Pranayama, a breathing technique that involves curling the tongue and inhaling through the mouth, is known to have a cooling effect on the body.

The advisory further encouraged people to include hydrating and cooling food items such as cucumber, watermelon, lime, musk melon, ash gourd and tomatoes in their daily diet during the summer season. Citizens have also been advised to regularly follow weather updates issued by the India Meteorological Department and take necessary precautions during heatwave alerts.

The advisory urged citizens to remain alert for symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, headache, nausea, altered mental status, high body temperature, dehydration, seizures and loss of consciousness. Heatstroke has been identified as a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention, with the advisory recommending prompt use of emergency helplines 108 or 102 in severe cases.

Rajasthan’s Hot Winds Push MP Past 43°C

Heatwave Grips 11 Districts

A relentless surge of hot air from Rajasthan has pushed daytime temperatures in Madhya Pradesh to a scorching 43.8 degrees Celsius, forcing authorities to issue a heatwave alert across 11 districts. Officials at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhopal confirmed on Friday that the extreme conditions will persist, with Narmadapuram recording the highest temperature in the state.

Schools Shut in Narmadapuram

District collectors have moved swiftly to protect vulnerable populations. Narmadapuram administration ordered all schools to remain closed as the mercury touched 43.8°C on Thursday. The IMD has specifically warned that conditions could worsen before any relief arrives.

11 Districts on High Alert

According to weather officials, the heatwave warning remains active for Friday in Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Chhindwara, Seoni, Ratlam, Jhabua, Dhar, and Alirajpur. These regions are experiencing maximum temperatures at least 4.2 degrees above normal for this time of year.

Night Temperatures Remain Elevated

The discomfort is not limited to daylight hours. Narmadapuram recorded a minimum temperature of 27°C, creating conditions meteorologists describe as a ‘warm night’. Officials explain that this occurs when night temperatures exceed normal levels by 4.5 to 6.4 degrees while daytime readings stay above 40°C. A ‘severe warm night’ is declared if the variance crosses 6.4 degrees, though that situation has not yet developed in the state.

Five Major Cities Sizzle

Data collected from urban centres shows Jabalpur at 41.6°C, Bhopal at 41°C, Gwalior at 40.8°C, Indore at 40.6°C, and Ujjain at exactly 40°C. Smaller towns are bearing the brunt of the heatwave more severely. Chhatarpur’s Khajuraho area recorded 43.4°C, while Naugaon touched 43°C.

Relief Expected by Month-End

Meteorologists are tracking a fresh western disturbance that could break this heat spell. Officials indicated that rain with thunderstorms is likely on April 27 in Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, and Anuppur. “The western disturbance will bring some respite, but until then, people need to take precautions,” a senior IMD scientist told this reporter.

Public Health Advisory Issued

The health department has issued a heat safety advisory alongside the weather alert. Citizens have been urged to drink adequate water throughout the day and keep themselves hydrated. Officials specifically warned against prolonged sun exposure during afternoon hours. Residents have been advised to wear lightweight, light-coloured cotton garments. The advisory notes that children and the elderly remain the most vulnerable groups during such extreme weather events.

Looking ahead, the IMD expects similar conditions to continue for at least four more days. Officials recall that April’s second fortnight historically brings the most intense summer heat to Madhya Pradesh, with temperatures having crossed 45 degrees in Gwalior and 44 degrees in Bhopal and Jabalpur in past years. This latest news update from the English news portal India confirms that government updates on school reopening will follow once the heatwave subsides.

Chhattisgarh Heatwave: Rajnandgaon Sizzles at 45°C, Raipur Swelters 5°C Above Normal

Mercury Crosses Danger Mark

A severe heatwave tightened its grip over Chhattisgarh on Saturday, with Rajnandgaon district becoming the state’s hottest spot at a scorching 45 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that dry westerly winds have pushed daytime temperatures to alarming levels, with no immediate relief in sight. According to officials, the capital city Raipur is also recording a maximum of 44°C, which is nearly five notches above the normal for this time of the year.

Heatwave Conditions Widen

The blistering heat is not limited to a single pocket. Latest News Today indicates that Bilaspur, Raipur, and Durg divisions are expected to witness similar heatwave conditions for at least the next 48 hours. The IMD has issued a yellow alert, warning that the dry spell and intense solar radiation will keep both days and nights unusually warm. Sources indicated that the night temperature has also remained elevated, causing continuous discomfort for residents across the state.

Raipur Records Unusual High

In Raipur, the normal April maximum temperature hovers around 39.5°C. However, the city has been consistently recording temperatures around 44°C for the past three days. Government Updates from the state disaster management authority confirm that this is the most prolonged April heat spell in the last five years. “The combination of dry winds and clear skies is creating a furnace-like effect over the central parts of the state,” said a senior IMD scientist speaking on condition of anonymity.

Historical Data Indicates Danger

Weather analysts point out that the last week of April is historically the most lethal for Chhattisgarh. The all-time record for Raipur remains 46.1°C, logged on April 30, 1942. More recently, on April 28, 1999, the city touched 45.4°C. Given the current trajectory, meteorologists fear the mercury could breach the 45-degree mark in the capital by Monday. “We are approaching the peak heat period. Precaution is the only cure,” the official added.

Why the Sudden Spike?

The primary reason behind this intense Chhattisgarh Heatwave is the influx of hot, dry air from the western and south-western desert regions. National and International News reports suggest a similar heat dome is affecting parts of Odisha and Telangana. The lack of any significant western disturbance or moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal means the atmosphere remains bone dry. This setup leads to extreme surface heating during the day, with minimal cooling effect after sunset.

Advisory Issued for Public

The Public Interest Story here is about survival. The weather office has strongly advised residents to avoid stepping out between 12 PM and 4 PM unless absolutely necessary. Those working outdoors have been urged to use scarves or caps and maintain heavy hydration. Officials have also warned about the risk of heat strokes and dehydration, especially for the elderly and children. “We have asked district collectors to ensure ORS packs are available at public health centres,” a health department spokesperson said.

What Next for Chhattisgarh?

Looking ahead, an English News Portal India analysis suggests that relief is unlikely for at least five days. While isolated dust storms or thundershowers are possible towards the end of April due to a minor western disturbance, they will offer only temporary respite. The Trending News India suggests that as the land continues to heat up, the chances of breaking the 46-year-old record remain low but cannot be ruled out entirely. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. For now, the state remains firmly in the grip of a relentless sun, with citizens advised to stay indoors and stay safe.

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.

Chhattisgarh Reels Under Intense Heat Wave, Yellow Alert Issued for Central Districts

Mercury Crosses 43°C Mark in Rajnandgaon

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for a severe heat wave sweeping across central Chhattisgarh, with the mercury breaching the 43-degree Celsius mark in Rajnandgaon. Officials confirmed that the alert will remain in force from April 16 to April 19.

Four-Day Yellow Alert

The weather bureau has specifically warned the Bilaspur, Durg, and Raipur divisions. Sources indicated that these regions will witness the most intense impact of the heat spell. The alert comes as the state records a steady rise in maximum temperatures over the last 24 hours.

Temperature Surge Details

According to official data, the maximum temperature rose by one to two degrees in the past day. Rajnandgaon turned out to be the hottest spot in the state at 43°C. Ambikapur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 19°C. Officials expect temperatures to climb another two to three degrees over the next three days.

Dry Weather Worsens Conditions

Meteorologists pointed out that completely dry atmospheric conditions have aggravated the heat. No rainfall was recorded anywhere in Chhattisgarh in the last 24 hours. This lack of moisture has pushed the heat index higher, making afternoons particularly harsh for outdoor workers.

Raipur’s Forecast

For the capital city, the forecast remains clear skies through the day. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 42°C, while the minimum could settle near 27°C. Authorities have advised citizens to avoid direct sun exposure between noon and 3 pm.

Public Health Advisory

State health officials have asked residents to remain hydrated and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Schools in several districts have been advised to shorten outdoor assembly hours. The administration is monitoring the situation closely, especially in rural pockets with limited access to cooling facilities.

What Next

The weather outlook for the next two days suggests continued dry weather. Officials said the heat wave condition may persist in isolated pockets. The IMD will review the alert on April 19 evening. Meanwhile, authorities are preparing to issue a heat action plan if temperatures cross 44°C in the coming week. Citizens are urged to follow government updates and limit strenuous activity during peak afternoon hours.

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.