The United Kingdom recorded its hottest day of 2026 on Thursday as temperatures reached 38.1°C (100.6°F) in west London, with an intense heatwave continuing across Britain and parts of Europe.

The latest spell of extreme heat has also affected France, where temperatures approached 41°C in several regions. Authorities are facing growing concerns over drought, water shortages, wildfires and the impact of prolonged heat on public health.

UK Temperature Breaks 2026 Record

The UK Met Office said Thursday's temperature exceeded the previous 2026 high of 38°C, recorded on June 28.

However, the latest reading remained slightly below Britain's August temperature record of 38.5°C, set in 2003.

The country has now experienced its fifth heatwave of the year, with the first occurring in May. Four days this year have recorded temperatures of at least 36°C, the highest such total ever recorded in Britain.

The UK has also matched the number of days reaching 38°C recorded in 2022.

France Faces Higher Temperatures

France has experienced even more severe conditions, with temperatures nearing 41°C in parts of the southwest and the Rhône River valley.

The heat is expected to shift eastward from Britain and France on Friday before conditions begin to ease over the weekend.

The prolonged spell has raised concerns about the ability of infrastructure and public services to cope with increasingly frequent periods of extreme heat.

Hospitals Struggle With Heat

The latest heatwave has exposed vulnerabilities in Britain and France, where air conditioning remains relatively uncommon, particularly in residential buildings.

In Britain, the Royal College of Nursing said hospital workers had experienced heat exhaustion while working in facilities without adequate cooling.

Nicola Ranger, the organisation's chief executive and general secretary, said reports of nursing staff becoming dizzy, unwell or requiring hospital treatment highlighted the difficulties faced by healthcare workers during extreme temperatures.

The situation has added pressure on hospitals already required to maintain essential services during the heatwave.

Drought Pressure Increases

Extreme heat and limited rainfall are also worsening drought conditions across Britain and France.

Lower river levels, crop damage and increasing demand for water are putting additional pressure on supplies.

Southern Water, which operates in parts of southern England, has applied for an emergency drought order that could restrict certain commercial water uses.

If approved, the measures could prevent businesses from using water for activities including car washing and filling non-domestic swimming pools. It would be the first restriction of this kind in the area since 2006.

Wildfire Risk Rises

Dry vegetation and high temperatures have also increased the risk of wildfires across Britain and other parts of Europe.

More than 1,000 wildfires have already been recorded across England and Wales this year, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council, matching the record number recorded last year.

A wildfire has also affected the New Forest, while other European countries continue to battle fires amid hot and dry conditions.

In northern Greece, more than 300 residents and tourists were evacuated by sea on Thursday after a wildfire spread through a pine forest near the Halkidiki peninsula.

Authorities Consider Restrictions

British authorities are considering additional measures to reduce the risk of fires as dry conditions persist.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he would consider a ban on disposable barbecues, while officials have urged the public to avoid activities that could trigger fires.

France is facing similar challenges, with firefighters responding to multiple blazes and calling for additional personnel and resources.

The latest heatwave is adding to concerns that prolonged periods of extreme temperatures could become increasingly disruptive across Europe, affecting public health, agriculture, water availability and emergency services.

 Madhya Pradesh completed its overall rainfall quota for July despite two prolonged monsoon breaks during the month. However, deficient rainfall in June continues to weigh on the seasonal figures, leaving the state with 13 per cent below-normal rainfall so far this monsoon.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 42 of the state's 55 districts have received less than normal rainfall till the end of July. Weather officials have indicated that widespread heavy rainfall is unlikely over the next four days, although rainfall activity is expected to continue at several places across the state.

July Compensates for Weak June

The state witnessed two active weather systems during the last week of July, which helped improve the monthly rainfall figures after two lengthy dry spells earlier in the season. Even so, the cumulative seasonal rainfall remains below normal because June ended with a 14 per cent rainfall deficit.

As of August 1, Madhya Pradesh has recorded an average of 390.3 mm (15.4 inches) of rainfall against the normal 448.4 mm (17.6 inches), resulting in a deficit of nearly 58 mm, or 13 per cent.

Eastern Madhya Pradesh has received 15 per cent less rainfall than normal, while western parts of the state are reporting an 11 per cent shortfall.

Heavy Rain Unlikely for Next Four Days

The IMD said the three strong weather systems responsible for widespread rainfall over the past two days are gradually weakening. As a result, the intensity of rainfall is expected to reduce across the state over the next four days.

While isolated light to moderate showers are likely to continue, officials have not forecast widespread heavy rainfall during this period. However, meteorologists said the situation could change if new weather systems develop over central India during the coming days.

Khargone, Ratlam Receive Significant Rain

Khargone district recorded nearly 2.2 inches of rainfall during the past 24 hours. Jhirnya received the highest rainfall at 3.8 inches, followed by Gogawan (3.5 inches), Kasrawad (3.1 inches), Maheshwar (2.6 inches), Segaon (1.9 inches), Bhikangaon and Sanawad (around 1.8–1.9 inches), Barwah (1.7 inches), while Khargone town recorded 1.3 inches.

In Ratlam, intermittent rainfall continued on Saturday morning, taking the season's total rainfall to over 13 inches. The city's Hanuman Tal has filled up following continuous showers. However, rainfall remains considerably lower than last year, when the district had received nearly 22 inches by the same period.

District-Wise Rainfall Picture

Only 13 districts have recorded above-normal rainfall so far this season, including Indore, Sehore, Rajgarh, Khargone, Dewas, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Barwani, Bhind, Shahdol, Umaria, Tikamgarh and Mauganj.

The remaining 42 districts, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Sagar, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Vidisha, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Dhar, Neemuch, Morena and Shivpuri, continue to report rainfall below the seasonal average.

August Expected to Improve Monsoon Performance

Meteorologists remain optimistic that rainfall during August, traditionally the wettest month in Madhya Pradesh, will help reduce the seasonal deficit. Historically, several major cities—including Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior and Ujjain—receive a substantial share of their annual rainfall during August.

With the state's average annual rainfall standing at 37.3 inches, weather officials expect fresh monsoon systems during the month to improve the overall seasonal rainfall position.

More than 1,500 commercial vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could become carriers of invasive marine species, posing a significant ecological threat to coastal ecosystems across the world, according to a new international study.

Published in the scientific journal Biological Invasions, the research warns that the months-long maritime disruption has transformed idle cargo ships and oil tankers into floating ecosystems capable of transporting algae, barnacles, mussels, microbes and other marine organisms to ports worldwide once global shipping resumes.

Months of Anchoring Raise Ecological Concerns

The Strait of Hormuz has remained largely inaccessible since February 28, following the outbreak of hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. As a result, hundreds of commercial vessels have remained anchored in the warm, highly saline waters of the Persian Gulf for nearly five months.

Researchers said such prolonged inactivity has accelerated biofouling—the accumulation of marine organisms on submerged parts of ships. Under normal conditions, commercial vessels remain stationary for only a few days, limiting biological growth. However, extended anchorage has allowed dense marine communities to develop on ship hulls.

Floating Habitats Could Spread Invasive Species

Scientists said the stranded vessels have effectively become floating habitats capable of transporting entire marine ecosystems across international waters.

The study highlighted that species native to the Persian Gulf are particularly resilient because they have adapted to survive extreme temperatures and high salinity. These characteristics could allow them to establish themselves rapidly if introduced into suitable coastal environments elsewhere.

Marine biologist Mario Tamburri, one of the study's researchers, noted that organisms capable of surviving harsh environmental conditions often become successful invasive species when introduced into new ecosystems.

Risks to Marine Ecosystems and Industries

Researchers warned that once international shipping resumes, millions of marine organisms attached to vessel hulls could be transported to ports around the world.

If these species establish themselves in new habitats, they could outcompete native marine life, disrupt fisheries, damage biodiversity and interfere with critical infrastructure, including power plant cooling systems and port facilities.

The study also suggests that some vessels may have already released large numbers of larvae into Gulf waters during their prolonged stay, potentially altering local marine ecosystems.

Economic Impact Beyond Environmental Damage

Apart from ecological concerns, biofouling also increases operational costs for the shipping industry.

According to the researchers, even a thin biological coating on a ship's hull can increase fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 20–25%, while heavy barnacle growth may push fuel usage up by more than 50% because of increased drag.

The report noted that shipping companies have started deploying specialised underwater dive teams to clean hulls and propellers before vessels resume operations. However, increased demand has reportedly driven hull-cleaning costs up by nearly 60%, with services now averaging around $8,000 per vessel.

Scientists Call for Immediate Preventive Measures

Researchers have urged governments, shipping companies and port authorities to implement mandatory hull inspections and cleaning procedures before stranded vessels are allowed to leave the Persian Gulf.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also recognised biofouling as one of the leading pathways for the global spread of invasive aquatic species and is working towards establishing an international framework to improve biofouling management.

The study concludes that preventing invasive marine species from leaving the Persian Gulf would be significantly more effective and less expensive than attempting to control them after they establish themselves in ecosystems around the world.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for eight districts of Madhya Pradesh as two active monsoon systems, including the monsoon trough and a deep depression originating over the Bay of Bengal, continue to influence weather conditions across the state. Despite widespread rainfall in recent weeks, Madhya Pradesh remains 17 per cent below its seasonal average, with 48 districts still recording deficient rainfall.

According to the latest weather update, Satna, Katni, Umaria, Mandla, Dindori, Seoni, Raisen and Betul are expected to receive heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Meteorologists estimate that these districts could receive more than four inches of rain during this period.

Light showers were recorded in Bhopal on Tuesday morning, while intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across several other districts, including Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Khargone, Ujjain, Ratlam, Gwalior, Morena, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, Sagar and Chhindwara.

Rainfall Deficit Persists

Despite recent spells of rain, the overall monsoon performance in Madhya Pradesh continues to lag behind normal levels. The IMD said the state has received an average of 336.7 mm (13.2 inches) of rainfall so far this season against the normal 407 mm (16 inches), leaving a deficit of nearly 70 mm, or 17 per cent.

The eastern region of the state remains more affected, with rainfall 20 per cent below normal, while western Madhya Pradesh is experiencing a 15 per cent deficit.

Only eight districts—Bhopal, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Indore, Mandsaur, Rajgarh and Sehore—have received above-normal rainfall this season. Dewas has recorded the highest surplus at nearly 29 per cent.

Meanwhile, districts including Anuppur, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Dindori, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Narsinghpur, Panna, Rewa, Satna, Seoni, Umaria, Betul, Dhar, Gwalior, Morena, Narmadapuram, Raisen, Ratlam, Shivpuri, Ujjain and Vidisha continue to remain below their seasonal averages.

Fresh Weather System Active

Weather experts attribute the latest spell of rainfall to a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal that has approached the West Bengal–north Odisha coast. The system is expected to move westward through Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh before entering central India.

Meteorologist Shailendra Kumar Nayak said the interaction between this system and the active monsoon trough is likely to trigger widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall across Madhya Pradesh between July 28 and July 30.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable districts to remain alert, particularly in low-lying areas and regions prone to waterlogging or flash floods.

July Yet to Match Normal Trend

Weather officials noted that although rainfall increased during the early part of July after a weak June, the absence of widespread heavy rain over the past several days has once again pushed seasonal figures into deficit.

Historically, July contributes nearly 40 per cent of Madhya Pradesh’s annual monsoon rainfall. Cities such as Bhopal normally receive around 14 inches of rain during the month, while Jabalpur averages more than 17 inches.

Historical Rainfall Records

Bhopal recorded its highest July rainfall in 1986, when nearly 41 inches of rain fell during the month. The city's highest single-day rainfall remains 11 inches, recorded on July 22, 1973.

Indore registered its highest 24-hour rainfall of 11.5 inches on July 27, 1913, while Jabalpur holds the state's highest monthly rainfall record with nearly 45 inches in July 1930. Gwalior, comparatively drier than other major cities, has an average July rainfall of around nine inches.

With fresh monsoon activity expected over the next three days, officials hope the upcoming rainfall will significantly reduce the state's rainfall deficit while cautioning citizens to stay updated on weather advisories issued by local authorities.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially launched its 2027 Calendar Photography Competition, inviting photographers worldwide to submit original images under the theme "Your Weather, Your World." The annual competition aims to showcase how weather, climate and water influence everyday life through compelling visual storytelling.

The competition is open to participants of all ages and nationalities, except employees of the WMO Secretariat. Photographers may submit up to three original photographs, with only one image per entrant eligible for selection.

According to WMO, the winning photographs will be featured in the printed WMO 2027 Calendar and promoted through the organisation's website, social media platforms, public outreach campaigns and World Meteorological Day 2027 celebrations. Selected images may also be shared with other United Nations agencies. While there is no cash prize, winners will receive international recognition and full credit for their work.

Entries will be evaluated based on how effectively they represent the competition theme, along with technical quality, composition, visual impact and creativity. A shortlist will be displayed on WMO's Facebook and Flickr platforms for public voting before the final selection is made by a WMO jury.

Photographs must be submitted in landscape format, with a minimum resolution of 4000 × 3000 pixels, in JPEG or TIFF format. Each entry must include a title, location and date of capture. Images created or manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) will be automatically disqualified.

The submission deadline is August 16, 2026, while the results are expected to be announced in September 2026. Entries, along with the completed official entry form, must be emailed to calendar@wmo.int.

WMO has also clarified that only original, unpublished photographs are eligible. Images that have previously won awards or appeared in commercial or editorial publications cannot be entered, although photographs shared on personal websites or social media accounts remain eligible.

Madhya Pradesh is witnessing a weak monsoon spell, with the state recording a 17% rainfall deficit so far this season. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received only 268.1 mm (10.5 inches) of rainfall against the normal 323.2 mm (12.7 inches). Although intermittent showers have continued across several regions, widespread heavy rainfall has remained absent for the past 13 days, raising concerns over agriculture, water availability and rising electricity demand.

The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Morena, Bhind, Damoh and Katni districts on Tuesday. Light to moderate rain is expected in several other districts, including Bhopal, Sehore, Raisen, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa and Khargone. Meanwhile, Neemuch, Mandsaur and Ratlam are likely to remain dry.

Rainfall Deficit Widens Across the State

Despite occasional showers in the past few days, rainfall has remained well below seasonal expectations. Weather officials said the scattered rain has not been sufficient to offset the overall deficit.

Until early July, western Madhya Pradesh—including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram, Gwalior and Chambal divisions—was recording surplus rainfall. However, by July 20, the region had slipped into a 12% rainfall deficit.

Eastern Madhya Pradesh, covering Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar divisions, is currently reporting a 17% rainfall deficit, indicating that the weak monsoon has affected almost the entire state.

39 Districts Receive Below-Normal Rainfall

Rainfall remains below normal in 39 districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Districts such as Jabalpur, Rewa, Satna, Sagar, Chhindwara, Mandla, Damoh, Tikamgarh, Morena, Dhar, Barwani, Vidisha, Raisen, Ratlam, Shivpuri, Sheopur and Alirajpur continue to report rainfall below the seasonal average.

On the other hand, 16 districts, including Dewas, Bhopal, Indore, Sehore, Ujjain, Harda, Rajgarh, Neemuch, Burhanpur, Khandwa and Khargone, have received above-normal rainfall despite the statewide deficit.

Dewas Emerges as Wettest District

Among all districts, Dewas has recorded the highest rainfall surplus, receiving 102% more rain than normal, with nearly 18 inches recorded so far.

Harda has received around 15 inches, while Indore and Sehore have recorded approximately 14 inches each. Bhopal has received about 13.1 inches of rainfall.

In contrast, Alirajpur remains the driest district, recording only 2.25 inches of rainfall—74% below normal, the lowest in Madhya Pradesh.

Strong Weather System Expected Later This Month

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said a stronger monsoon system is likely to become active during the last week of July, which could bring widespread rainfall across the state.

Currently, weak weather systems around Madhya Pradesh are producing only scattered showers, preventing sustained heavy rainfall over large areas.

Power Demand Rises Amid Weak Monsoon

The prolonged dry spell and higher temperatures have also led to increased electricity consumption across the state, as households and businesses continue to rely heavily on cooling appliances. The weak monsoon has delayed the usual drop in power demand that typically accompanies widespread rainfall.

July Remains Crucial for Madhya Pradesh

July is traditionally the wettest month for Madhya Pradesh, contributing nearly 40% of the state's annual monsoon rainfall.

Historically, Bhopal receives around 14 inches of rainfall during July, while Jabalpur averages over 17 inches, making it the wettest major city in the state during the monsoon season. However, this year's subdued rainfall has kept seasonal totals below normal across most regions.

With forecasts indicating stronger monsoon activity in the coming days, authorities and farmers will be hoping for widespread rainfall to reduce the deficit and improve water availability across Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh is witnessing a significant rainfall deficit after nearly a week of subdued monsoon activity, with 35 districts reporting below-normal rainfall and several eastern regions facing dry conditions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received 241.8 mm of rainfall so far this monsoon season, around 11% below the normal average of 270.3 mm.

The rainfall shortfall has been particularly severe across eastern Madhya Pradesh, including the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions, where precipitation is reported to be 24% below normal. In contrast, western districts such as Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and the Gwalior-Chambal region have recorded rainfall close to or slightly above seasonal averages.

New Weather Systems May Revive Monsoon

Meteorologists expect monsoon conditions to improve from July 19, with a fresh Western Disturbance forecast to become active over northwest India. Simultaneously, a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal, supported by an active cyclonic circulation, is expected to strengthen rainfall activity across Madhya Pradesh during the second half of July.

According to IMD, the interaction of these systems could trigger a fresh spell of moderate to heavy rainfall across large parts of the state.

Light Rain Forecast for Several Districts Today

For Thursday, the weather department has forecast light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in several districts, including Indore, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Bhind, Datia, Jabalpur, Katni, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mauganj, Maihar, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Niwari.

Meanwhile, districts including Morena, Gwalior, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Sagar, Raisen, Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Dewas, Ujjain, Agar Malwa, Ratlam, Neemuch and Mandsaur are likely to experience warm and humid weather with limited rainfall activity.

Eastern Region Remains a Concern

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said that while the overall monsoon situation across Madhya Pradesh remains satisfactory, the persistent rainfall deficit in eastern districts has become a matter of concern for agriculture and water resources.

He noted that the movement and intensity of the upcoming low-pressure system would determine how quickly monsoon activity regains momentum across the state. If weather conditions remain favourable, most regions of Madhya Pradesh could witness a stronger phase of rainfall during the second fortnight of July.

July Crucial for Seasonal Rainfall

July traditionally contributes nearly 40% of Madhya Pradesh's annual monsoon rainfall, making the current slowdown significant. The state's average annual rainfall stands at 37.3 inches, with major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior generally receiving between 38 and 39 inches during the season.

Among districts, Dewas has emerged as the state's wettest so far, recording rainfall 102% above normal, while Alirajpur has received only around 2.25 inches, marking a 74% rainfall deficit.

Historically, cities such as Jabalpur, Bhopal and Indore receive substantial rainfall during July, and meteorologists believe the upcoming weather systems could help narrow the current deficit if widespread showers materialise in the coming days.

Bringing massive relief from a punishing summer, the Southwest Monsoon officially made its onset over Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat on Wednesday. The arrival ends a tense nine-day delay, as the normal onset date for both states is June 15.

According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon currents have gained rapid momentum and are projected to sweep across the remaining parts of the central region within the next four days. With this latest advancement, the monsoon has now established its footprint across 22 states, keeping it on track to cover the rest of the country by July 5.

Northeast Devastated: Fatal Flash Floods in Arunachal

While central India celebrated the arrival of rain, extreme weather turned tragic in the northeast. Continuous torrential downpours over the past week culminated in severe flash floods on Wednesday morning in Arunachal Pradesh.

The worst impact was recorded at the NEEPCO Project Colony in the Yazali Circle of Keyi Panyor district, where sudden rushes of water swept through residential zones. Local disaster management officials confirmed that three people are missing and feared dead, while more than 18 houses have suffered extensive structural damage. Emergency rescue operations are heavily hampered as several low-lying pockets remain entirely cut off under deep water.

Mumbai Deluged: Subways Shut Down Within 24 Hours of Delayed Arrival

The developments come just a day after the monsoon made a chaotic entry into Mumbai on Tuesday, missing its standard June 10 schedule by nearly two weeks. The financial capital was battered by intense cloudbursts almost immediately upon arrival.

Rainfall telemetry records gathered between 8:00 AM on Tuesday and 7:00 AM on Wednesday revealed staggering numbers. The Malvani Fire Station registered a massive 334 mm of rainfall, closely followed by the F/South Ward at 328 mm. At least 27 other automated weather stations across municipal limits logged rainfall figures bouncing between 200 mm and 300 mm.

The sheer volume of water triggered immediate urban flooding. Municipal authorities were forced to shut down the crucial Andheri subway due to severe waterlogging, throwing suburban traffic into disarray. Structural damage was also reported from Vikhroli West, where a retaining wall flanking a residential complex gave way. Dozens of uprooted trees were reported by the civic body, crushing parked vehicles across multiple neighborhoods.

Rajasthan Receives Excess Rain; Heatwave Stubbornly Persists Elsewhere

In contrast to the delayed onset elsewhere, Rajasthan has unexpectedly logged a major rain surplus this pre-monsoon season. Between June 1 and June 21, the desert state recorded 39.3 mm of rainfall against its historical average of 28 mm—marking a 41% excess.

Meanwhile, parts of northern and eastern India witnessed volatile atmospheric transitions. A massive dust storm cut through Delhi-NCR on Tuesday afternoon, dragging visibility down sharply and creating twilight-like conditions during peak daylight hours. Heavy dust storms with winds peaking at 60 kmph also rattled six cities in Uttar Pradesh.

Despite the advancing monsoon wall, the IMD has maintained a severe heatwave warning. Temperatures crossed the 40°C threshold on Wednesday across major pockets of North and Central India. Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest spot nationally at 43.3°C.

IMD Weather Forecast Warning

The weather office has mapped out the following alerts for the next 48 hours:

Local administrations in the orange-alert zones have been advised to keep disaster response teams on standby, while residents in the heatwave belt are urged to minimize direct sun exposure as the monsoon slowly fights its way north.

The impact of Nau Tapa continues in Rewa, with temperatures remaining above 42°C. The IMD has indicated slight relief from the intense heat after the next three days.

Rewa continues to grapple with severe summer conditions as the effect of Nau Tapa remains firmly in place, keeping daytime temperatures above the 42-degree Celsius mark. While residents are enduring scorching heat and uncomfortable humidity, weather officials have suggested that a modest drop in temperature could arrive during the first week of June.

The city witnessed intense sunshine from the early hours of Saturday, with hot winds making outdoor movement increasingly difficult by afternoon. The combination of high temperatures and humidity added to public discomfort, particularly during peak daytime hours.

Heat Remains Intense

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Rewa's maximum temperature on Saturday was expected to hover around 42°C, while the minimum temperature remained close to 28°C. Although slightly lower than the previous few days, the temperature continues to stay well above normal levels.

The ongoing Nau Tapa period, traditionally considered the hottest phase of summer in central India, has kept temperatures consistently above 40°C. Residents across the Vindhya region have been facing prolonged heat stress as a result.

Three Days of Extreme Conditions

Weather records from recent days indicate little variation in daytime temperatures.

On May 27, Rewa recorded a maximum temperature of 43°C and a minimum of 26°C. Similar conditions prevailed on May 28 and May 29, when the maximum temperature remained at 43°C while nighttime temperatures stayed around 28°C.

The sustained heat has prevented any meaningful cooling, even after sunset, leading to discomfort both during the day and at night.

Markets See Reduced Activity

The impact of the weather has become visible across the city. During afternoon hours, major roads and market areas reported noticeably lower footfall compared to normal days.

Many residents preferred to remain indoors, limiting non-essential travel. Commercial activity in some local markets also appeared slower during the hottest part of the day as temperatures peaked.

Relief May Begin Soon

The IMD's latest forecast indicates that the maximum temperature is likely to remain around 42°C on May 31 and June 1 before easing slightly to 41°C on June 2.

Meteorologists attribute the expected moderation to the influence of a western disturbance affecting weather patterns across parts of north and central India. While the projected decline is not expected to bring immediate relief, it may signal the beginning of a gradual change in conditions.

Residents Struggle With Humidity

Apart from the heat, rising humidity has emerged as a major concern for residents. Many people say the weather becomes difficult to tolerate by late morning and remains uncomfortable well into the night.

The lack of cooling during evening hours has affected daily routines, particularly for children, elderly residents and those working outdoors. Even cooling appliances such as fans and air coolers have provided limited comfort during periods of peak heat.

Health Advisory Issued

Doctors and health experts have advised residents to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between noon and 4 pm. People have also been urged to stay hydrated, wear light clothing and take adequate precautions while travelling outdoors.

Officials say prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.

Outlook for Vindhya Region

Weather experts believe a broader shift in atmospheric conditions could become visible during the first week of June. While the region is unlikely to see an immediate end to hot weather, a gradual reduction in temperatures may provide some respite after several days of intense heat.

For now, however, the Nau Tapa heatwave continues to dominate weather conditions in Rewa, keeping residents on alert as summer reaches one of its most challenging phases.

Khajuraho Sizzles at 46°C, Breaks 10-Year Record as Heatwave Grips Madhya Pradesh

Mercury crosses 44°C in 13 cities

The tourist town of Khajuraho recorded a maximum temperature of 46 degrees Celsius on Monday, its highest in a decade, as an intense heatwave tightened its grip over large parts of Madhya Pradesh. Officials said the day temperature at the UNESCO World Heritage site was the hottest for April in ten years. The neighbouring town of Naugaon in Chhatarpur district followed closely, recording 45.5 degrees Celsius, making it the second warmest location in the state.

Heatwave and rain alerts issued for Tuesday

The India Meteorological Department’s Bhopal centre has issued a mixed warning for Tuesday. Four districts – Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla and Balaghat – remain under a heatwave alert. At the same time, 12 districts across northern and eastern MP are likely to see thunderstorms and rainfall. These include Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna and Rewa.

Officials said a cyclonic circulation and an active trough line are driving this unusual weather pattern, where extreme heat and rain are expected to co-exist until May 1. Some relief from the heatwave is expected only after April 28.

All-time record in sight for Khajuraho

The 46-degree reading has already broken a ten-year record for Khajuraho, but older data suggests the all-time high for the town could be under threat. According to IMD records, the highest-ever April temperature for Khajuraho was recorded on April 29, 1993, when the mercury touched 46.9 degrees Celsius. If the current spell of dry heat continues for another two days, that 33-year-old record may also fall.

Ground impact: wall collapse claims life in Damoh

The unpredictable weather has already turned fatal in at least one instance. A woman died in Damoh district on Monday evening after a kutcha wall collapsed during a sudden spell of strong winds and rain. The victim, identified as 48-year-old Ragini Patariya, was a resident of Mahua Kheda village under the Raneh police station area. Local sources said she had stepped out to cover a stack of cow dung cakes when the wall gave way. Damoh has been among the districts witnessing fluctuating weather over the past 48 hours.

Heat safety advisory issued

With temperatures hovering between 42 and 46 degrees across most urban centres, the IMD has also issued a heat safety advisory. Residents have been asked to drink sufficient water through the day, avoid prolonged sun exposure during afternoon hours, and wear light-coloured cotton clothing. Special attention has been advised for children and the elderly. Bhopal and Gwalior both recorded 43.4 degrees on Monday, while Indore touched 42.0, Ujjain 42.4 and Jabalpur 42.7 degrees Celsius.

April heat trends show rising intensity

Meteorologists point out that April and May are the two primary summer months for Madhya Pradesh, much like December-January for winter and July-August for the monsoon. Data from the past decade shows that the second half of April typically sees a sharp rise in temperatures, often breaking records towards month end.

In Bhopal, the highest April temperature ever recorded remains 44.4 degrees Celsius from April 29, 1996. Gwalior, which tends to run hotter than other cities, once touched 45 degrees in the last ten years. Its all-time April high of 46.2 degrees was recorded on April 28, 1958. Ujjain, meanwhile, had recorded 45.2 degrees on April 18, 2010, with the overall record for the city currently standing at 48.8 degrees from last year.

What to expect over the next four days

The IMD expects the ongoing heatwave to persist across central and eastern parts of the state for at least another 48 hours. After that, the cyclonic circulation may trigger scattered showers and provide marginal relief. Officials have, however, cautioned that the drop in temperature is likely to be temporary. The core summer months of May could once again see a return to severe heatwave conditions across the Bundelkhand and Gwalior-Chambal regions.