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.

A sudden shift in MP weather brought rain, thunderstorms and hail to several districts, while lightning struck the famous Hanuman Tekri Temple in Guna, damaging its spire.

Madhya Pradesh witnessed a sharp change in weather conditions on Saturday, bringing relief from the intense Nautapa heat across several regions but also triggering thunderstorms, lightning strikes and hailstorms in parts of the state. One of the most significant incidents was reported from Guna, where lightning struck the renowned Hanuman Tekri Temple, damaging the temple’s spire during a spell of stormy weather.

According to officials, rain and thunderstorms were reported in at least 26 districts over the past 24 hours, affecting major cities including Gwalior, Indore, Ujjain and Bhopal. The weather activity came amid an ongoing heatwave phase that had pushed temperatures beyond 45 degrees Celsius in several parts of Madhya Pradesh during the Nautapa period.

The lightning strike occurred on Friday night as strong winds and rain swept through Guna district. Local authorities confirmed that the upper portion of the Hanuman Tekri Temple structure suffered damage after being hit by lightning. No injuries were reported, but the incident drew attention from devotees and residents, given the temple’s prominence in the region.

Rainfall was recorded across a wide geographical spread. Data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showed that Tikamgarh received more than an inch of rainfall during the past 24 hours, while Datia and Nowgong also recorded significant precipitation. Showers were reported from Gwalior, Dhar, Ratlam, Ujjain, Damoh, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Umaria, Khargone, Shivpuri, Dindori, Khandwa, Mandsaur, Dewas, Jhabua, Morena and Sheopur, among other districts.

In several locations, the weather turned severe. Hailstorms were reported from Sheopur and Dewas, while gusty winds disrupted normal activity in parts of western and northern Madhya Pradesh. Residents in some districts reported temporary waterlogging on roads following intense but short-duration rainfall.

Bhopal also experienced cloudy conditions from the morning hours, offering respite from the scorching temperatures recorded earlier this week. Similar relief was felt in rural and semi-urban areas where temperatures had remained unusually high through most of May.

Storm Alert Continues

The Meteorological Department has warned that unstable weather conditions are likely to persist over the next few days. An alert has been issued for districts including Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Khargone, Khandwa, Sehore and Harda, where thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching up to 70 kmph, lightning activity and hail are possible.

Several other districts, including Bhopal, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Narmadapuram, Sidhi and Singrauli, may witness thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of up to 50 kmph.

Heatwave Eases Gradually

The latest forecast suggests that heatwave conditions are likely to weaken from May 31 onward as moisture-bearing systems influence weather across central India. The IMD has indicated that many districts may continue to receive rain, thunderstorms and isolated hail events between May 31 and June 2.

Even as rainfall activity increases, some regions remain under heat alerts. Orange warnings for severe heat conditions have been issued for parts of central and eastern Madhya Pradesh, while thunderstorms are expected to occur simultaneously in several districts.

Impact During Nautapa

The weather reversal is particularly notable because it has occurred during Nautapa, traditionally considered the hottest period of the summer season. Since May 25, several locations, especially Khajuraho and Nowgong, have recorded temperatures above 47 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists say such fluctuations are not unprecedented, though the intensity and spread of recent rainfall have provided welcome relief to residents battling prolonged heat. In districts such as Dindori, local reports indicated a noticeable drop in temperature following the morning showers.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms, avoid open areas during lightning activity and stay hydrated as daytime temperatures continue to remain high despite intermittent rainfall.

With forecasts pointing to more rain and storm activity in the coming days, Madhya Pradesh’s weather is expected to remain highly variable, bringing a mix of relief and disruption across the state.

Heavy pre-monsoon showers in Gwalior and Morena bring respite as the Met issues loo alerts for six districts

A sudden shift in weather brought intermittent rain to Gwalior from around 6am on Friday and heavy downpours to parts of Morena, offering a brief break from the searing pre-monsoon heat as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a mix of heatwave and storm alerts across Madhya Pradesh.

Rain arrives early
Residents in Gwalior reported spells of rain beginning at about 6am, with showers continuing on and off through the morning, local officials said. In Morena, the rain came down more intensely in the early hours, leaving wet roads and a cooler feel in the neighbourhoods close to the Chambal plains.

Alerts across the state
The IMD has put six districts — Gwalior, Morena, Shyopur, Niwari, Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur — on an orange alert for severe loo (hot wind) conditions. A wider set of 27 districts, including Bhopal, Jabalpur, Vidisha and Sagar, carry a yellow heatwave alert with maximum temperatures expected to remain above 43°C in many places.

At the same time, forecasters warned of thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated hail over pockets of the state between May 29 and June 1. The department’s four-day forecast said Friday would see a mix of heat, rain and possible hail, while widespread rain and thunderstorm activity is likely from May 30 onwards, temporarily replacing heatwave conditions in most divisions.

Local damage and earlier storms
The weather change follows violent storms that hit Rewa and adjoining areas on Thursday night. Local officials and media reports said strong gusts uprooted trees and electricity poles, tore off tin roofs and damaged signboards in market areas. Authorities in affected towns carried out preliminary assessments and restoration work on power lines and municipal clearing of fallen debris.

High temperatures earlier in May
The state has been under intense heat since the start of nautapa (the peak summer period). Since May 25 several towns recorded extreme highs: Khajuraho and Naugaon topped the list with temperatures touching and exceeding 46°C on some days. On Thursday, 10 stations recorded temperatures of 45°C or above; Khajuraho recorded a maximum of 46.5°C, while Rajgarh, Datia, Damoh-Malajkhand and Tikamgarh also reported readings above 45°C.

Gwalior’s long-term extremes
Gwalior, one of the hotter urban centres in the state, has seen temperatures cross 47°C in the past, with a record high of 48.3°C on May 30, 1947. This year the city registered a high of 44.7°C earlier in May before the recent showers offered temporary relief.

Health advisory issued
IMD meteorologist H.S. Pandey advised people to avoid outdoor activities between noon and 3pm when heat is most intense, and to stay hydrated. “If travel is unavoidable, carry water, wear light cotton clothes and avoid strenuous work in the afternoon,” he said. Authorities have urged special care for children, the elderly and outdoor workers. Hospitals and health departments in several districts have been asked to be alert for heatstroke cases.

Pets and livestock risk
Local veterinarians warned that pets and livestock are also at increased risk during nautapa. With many towns recording temperatures above 45°C earlier this week, vets recommended limiting pet walks to early morning and late evening, providing shade, and ensuring constant access to drinking water for farm animals.

Outlook and next steps
The IMD forecast indicates a continuing active spell from May 30 to June 1, with a likelihood of thunderstorms and isolated hail in parts of the state and no statewide heatwave alerts during those three days. However, pockets in Indore and Narmadapuram divisions may still see lingering high temperatures. District administrations have been asked to keep relief measures ready, monitor vulnerable populations and coordinate with power and municipal departments to respond to storm-related damage.

For residents, the immediate message is simple: expect changing conditions — from intense heat to sudden storms — over the coming 72 hours and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

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.

MP Heatwave Red Alert: 4 Districts Cross 46°C as Temperatures Soar

Severe heatwave conditions trigger red alert in Niwari, Chhatarpur, Panna, and Satna; IMD advises against outdoor exposure between noon and 3 PM.

Even before the formal start of the nine-day Nautapa period, large parts of Madhya Pradesh are reeling under an intense heat spell, forcing the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for four districts on Friday.

Temperatures are already pushing past the 46-degree Celsius mark in Niwari, Chhatarpur, Panna, and Satna. Officials at the IMD Bhopam confirmed that the mercury is expected to remain above this threshold for the next 72 hours at least. The morning hours themselves are brutal—between 9 AM and 11 AM, the temperature is touching 38 to 40 degrees across several city centres.

Red Alert in Four Districts

The IMD has painted the northern and eastern belts of the state in deep red. Niwari, Chhatarpur, Panna, and Satna are under a red alert for severe heatwave conditions, with the maximum temperature likely to stay above 46 degrees. This is the highest category of warning, indicating a very high risk of heat illness for all age groups.

A broader orange alert has been issued for 21 districts, including Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, and Shivpuri. Meanwhile, a yellow alert is in place for 20 districts, including the state capital Bhopal, Ujjain, and Raisen, where temperatures are hovering between 43 and 45 degrees. Officials added that even in districts without a direct heatwave warning, like Indore and Dewas, humid conditions are making the heat unbearable.

IMD Advisory for Public

Weather scientist H.S. Pandey told reporters that the impact will be most severe between noon and 3 PM. "People should avoid stepping out unless absolutely necessary," he said. The department has issued a standard advisory: wear light-coloured cotton clothing, stay hydrated throughout the day, and pay special attention to children and the elderly.

Local authorities in the red-zone districts have been asked to ensure power supply for cooling centres and maintain water availability in public spaces.

Nine-Day Nautapa Spell Ahead

The situation is unlikely to ease anytime soon. According to the IMD forecast, this severe heat spell will remain at its peak for the next 10 days, until May 31. The Nautapa period, which begins on May 25, is traditionally the hottest phase of the summer in central India. This year, it is arriving on the back of an already scorching May.

Officials indicated that major cities like Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur will see no relief from the intense sun during this period.

Historical Trends in Key Cities

Looking at the data from the past decade, this isn't entirely unprecedented but remains dangerous. In Bhopal, the record for May still stands at 46.7 degrees Celsius from 2016. Interestingly, the city has also seen a trend of pre-monsoon showers in May—every year from 2014 to 2023 recorded some rainfall. No such relief is forecast this week.

In Gwalior, which historically acts as a heat furnace for the state, the mercury has crossed 47 degrees once and crossed 46 degrees three times in the last ten years. The all-time record for the city remains 48.3 degrees, recorded on May 30, 1947. Jabalpur and Ujjain are also recording temperatures 4-5 degrees above normal for this time of the season.

Looking Ahead

With no western disturbance in sight to break the pattern, the IMD has reiterated that the next 10 days will test the state's resilience. Officials are monitoring the situation hour by hour, but for now, the message from Bhopal's weather centre is clear: stay indoors during the afternoon, keep drinking water, and do not ignore signs of heat exhaustion.