Temperatures soar across the state as pre-monsoon activity brings limited relief in initial days of the traditional nine-day hot spell.

Severe heatwave conditions continued to grip large parts of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday as Nautapa entered its third day, with 16 cities recording maximum temperatures above 44°C. Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district emerged as the hottest place in the state, recording 46.4°C on Tuesday.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhopal centre, the intense heat is typical for Nautapa, the nine-day period considered the peak of summer heat in central India. However, the first two days of this spell saw some respite in the form of thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall in several areas.

Red Alert in Multiple Districts

The IMD has issued a red alert for heatwave in Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, and Rewa districts on Wednesday. Tikamgarh is also likely to experience warm nights with minimum temperatures remaining elevated. Orange alerts for severe heatwave have been sounded for Gwalior and Jabalpur, while Bhopal may also witness heatwave conditions.

Local residents in Tikamgarh reported significant discomfort. On Tuesday, the district recorded 45°C, while on Monday it touched 45.3°C. The minimum temperature has hovered between 30-31°C, offering little relief even after sunset. “People are avoiding stepping out during peak afternoon hours,” said a local shopkeeper.

Ground Reality Amid Scorching Heat

In Bhopal, the impact of the rising mercury was visible on the streets. Major roads, including Link Road No. 1, wore a deserted look during afternoon hours. Even the usually shaded “Thandi Sadak” near Shaurya Smarak saw reduced footfall and vehicle movement as people preferred to stay indoors.

Demand for traditional summer coolers such as shikanji, lemon water, and soda shot up significantly in the capital city, with vendors reporting brisk business since morning.

Temperature Snapshot Across MP

On Tuesday, several places crossed the 44°C mark:

- Khajuraho: 46.4°C

- Naugaon: 45.6°C

- Datia: 45.2°C

- Damoh, Satna, Tikamgarh: 45°C

- Rewa: 44.8°C

- Gwalior: 44.1°C

- Bhopal: 43.2°C

- Jabalpur: 43.9°C

Among major cities, Gwalior remained the hottest, followed by Jabalpur and Bhopal. Indore and Ujjain recorded relatively lower temperatures at 41.2°C and 42°C respectively.

Rain Alert Brings Hope

After two days of scattered thunderstorms, the IMD has forecast good news for the coming days. From May 28, most parts of the state are likely to receive rainfall for three consecutive days. This pre-monsoon activity is expected to bring some relief from the scorching heat.

The southwest monsoon is likely to enter Madhya Pradesh between June 10 and 16, according to current estimates.

Health Concerns Rise

With temperatures touching 40-45°C during Nautapa, doctors are advising caution against heat-related illnesses. Dehydration, heat stroke, dizziness, and fatigue are common concerns. Residents have been urged to carry water bottles, wear light cotton clothes, avoid direct sun exposure between 12 noon and 4 pm, and consume hydrating fluids.

The combination of extreme day temperatures and high night temperatures is making recovery difficult for people, especially outdoor workers, elderly citizens, and children.

As the state waits for the promised rainfall in the next few days, the coming week will be crucial in determining whether the intense heat eases or continues to test public endurance across Madhya Pradesh.

Rewa Temperature Crosses 43°C, Heatwave Tightens Grip

The mercury in Rewa district has climbed steadily over the past three days, touching a searing 43°C on May 15 and showing little sign of easing. With daytime conditions resembling a heatwave and nights offering minimal relief due to high humidity, residents are struggling to cope with the intense summer spell.

Local authorities and the weather office have noted persistently dry conditions, with strong hot winds and bright sunshine making afternoons particularly punishing. The absence of any significant weather system to bring rain or cloud cover has kept temperatures elevated above 40°C.

Sharp Rise in Daytime Heat

On May 14, the maximum temperature stood at 42.1°C with a minimum of 27.3°C. The following day, it peaked at 43°C while the night temperature rose to 28°C. Even on May 16, when the day temperature dipped slightly to 41.8°C, the minimum remained high at 27.6°C. These readings confirm a pattern of sustained heat with no break in sight.

The combination of high daytime temperatures and warm nights has left people exhausted, as the air remains heavy and uncomfortable even after sunset.

Forecast Signals Further Rise

Weather experts predict the heat will intensify in the coming days. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 42.5°C on May 17 and climb to 43.5°C on May 18. By May 19, it could touch 44°C, according to initial forecasts. 

Hot winds during peak afternoon hours are expected to worsen the discomfort, turning open areas and roads into virtual ovens. 

Ground Reality: Residents Bear the Brunt

Locals say the impact is visible everywhere. Rajesh Mishra, a resident of Hospital Chowk, described the situation: “In the afternoon it feels like the roads are burning. Stepping out for any non-essential work has become very difficult.”

Ajay Patel from the Civil Lines area echoed the sentiment, noting that the rising heat over the past few days has made even sleeping at night difficult. Many households report increased use of coolers and fans, yet the relief remains limited.

Streets in Rewa see thinner crowds during peak hours, with most people choosing to remain indoors between noon and late afternoon. Markets and offices adjust timings where possible, but daily wage workers and those in outdoor jobs continue to face hardship.

Health Advisory Issued

Weather specialists have urged residents to take precautions. They recommend avoiding direct sun exposure, especially between 12 noon and 4 pm, when heat stress is highest. Drinking plenty of water and fluids, wearing light cotton clothes, and using umbrellas or caps when stepping out are being advised to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Hospitals in the district are on alert for cases of heat exhaustion and dehydration, though no major spike has been officially reported so far.

Why the Prolonged Heat

Madhya Pradesh, including Rewa, is experiencing a typical but severe pre-monsoon heat buildup this year. The lack of thundershowers or western disturbances that usually provide temporary relief has allowed temperatures to build up unchecked. Similar conditions have been observed in several other districts of the state.

Agricultural activities have also been affected, with farmers trying to complete irrigation work early in the morning or late evening to avoid the worst of the heat. Livestock too requires extra care, with many owners ensuring shade and water availability during the day.

What Lies Ahead

While the immediate forecast points to continued high temperatures, any change in wind patterns or incoming moisture could alter the situation. The India Meteorological Department is expected to issue updated bulletins in the next 48 hours.

Until then, authorities are appealing for public cooperation in following heat safety measures. Residents are being asked not to ignore early signs of heatstroke such as dizziness, nausea, or excessive fatigue.

The current spell serves as a reminder of the intensifying summer challenges in the region, pushing both administration and citizens to adapt quickly. As temperatures edge closer to 44°C, the focus remains on staying hydrated and minimising exposure during the hottest parts of the day.

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.