Bhopal: Abrupt weather changes in Madhya Pradesh have raised concerns among farmers as heavy rainfall and hailstorms hit at least 10 districts on Wednesday. The unseasonal weather has particularly impacted Seoni, Chhindwara, and Dindori, where showers were reported in the morning hours.

In Chhindwara, light rain was recorded in the Singodi rural area at around 6 a.m., while drizzles were observed in urban parts of the district the previous night. Dindori also experienced light rainfall in the early hours. Meanwhile, a hailstorm alert has been issued for eight districts, including Narmadapuram, Khandwa, and Narsinghpur. Strong winds reaching speeds of 40-50 km per hour are expected in Bhopal and Jabalpur.

Seoni witnessed heavy rain for 15-20 minutes around 2 p.m., resulting in a drop in temperature but raising concerns over wheat crops, which are ready for harvest. Similar weather changes were observed in Garoth and Shamgarh areas of Mandsaur, where light showers and cold winds swept through the region. Hailstorms were reported in Barkheda Gangasa, Bardiamar, and Sathkheda villages, posing a risk to harvested wheat crops lying in fields.

According to the Meteorological Department, a cyclonic circulation and trough system are currently active over the state, leading to these extreme weather conditions. On Tuesday, many districts remained cloudy with light rain at isolated places, while Bhopal witnessed overcast conditions throughout the day.

Thunderstorms and strong winds were also reported in Jabalpur, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Barwani, Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Narmadapuram, Betul, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Umaria, and Katni.

The unseasonal weather has also affected temperatures across the state, with Seoni recording 28.2°C, Malajkhand 35°C, Pachmarhi 31°C, Mandla 34.4°C, Sidhi 30.8°C, and Betul 33°C. Narmadapuram was the hottest location in the state, recording 39.8°C, followed by Ratlam at 39.5°C, Guna and Damoh at 38.5°C, and Khajuraho at 38.2°C. Bhopal recorded 36.4°C, Indore 37°C, Gwalior 37.6°C, Ujjain 38.5°C, and Jabalpur 30.3°C.

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds, and hailstorms in Betul, Harda, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Chhindwara, Seoni, and Pandhurna. Additionally, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are expected in Guna, Ashok Nagar, and Shivpuri.

A senior meteorologist stated that a trough is currently passing from southern Chhattisgarh to central Maharashtra and Vidarbha-Marathwada, while a cyclonic circulation system is also active. These conditions are responsible for the ongoing rain, hailstorms, and thunderstorms across Madhya Pradesh. Farmers are advised to take necessary precautions to protect their crops from further damage.