Madhya Pradesh continued to reel under turbulent weather conditions on Sunday as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms battered several districts across the state. The sudden and severe weather claimed the life of a 55-year-old woman in Shivpuri, while also causing significant damage to crops and property in various regions.
According to reports, Kusuma Lodhi (55) was killed by a lightning strike late Saturday night while sleeping in a field in Toda Pichor village, Shivpuri district. The same incident also resulted in the death of eleven cattle, and a house was damaged after a tree was uprooted during the storm.
Districts affected by intense rain and hail included Khargone (Maheshwar), Tikamgarh, Satna, Rajgarh, Shivpuri, and Mauganj. In Maheshwar, hail and heavy rain lashed the area for about 30 minutes, while Mauganj experienced an hour-long hailstorm, raising fears of extensive damage to harvested wheat and gram crops stored in fields and temporary barns. Villages like Somakhedi, Majan Manikram, and Khatkhari were reportedly among the worst affected.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh alert for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and hail in 24 districts of the state. The warning includes the possibility of gusts reaching 50-60 kmph and isolated hailstorms in Singrauli, Satna, Umaria, Katni, Maihar, Burhanpur, Barwani, Gwalior, and Datia.
A senior IMD scientist in Bhopal attributed the ongoing erratic weather to three active systems—a Western Disturbance, Cyclonic Circulation, and a Trough—influencing atmospheric conditions. She forecasted light rain and thunderstorms until April 15, followed by clearer skies and a likely heat wave starting April 16.
While the inclement weather brought destruction in many areas, it also offered temporary relief from soaring temperatures. Mandu recorded a 5°C drop, with maximum temperatures falling to 35°C amid cloudy skies and cool winds. The state capital Bhopal saw overcast skies in the morning, clearing up by the afternoon, with the day's temperature hovering around 38°C.
Elsewhere, Indore experienced light morning showers, while Badnawar in Dhar district received heavy rain for about 15–20 minutes. In Singrauli, areas like Sarai, Devsar, and Chitrangi reported scattered rainfall.
The IMD has also cautioned residents of Narmadapuram, Betul, Khandwa, Khargone, Shivpuri, Morena, Sheopur, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Anuppur, Shahdol, Dindori, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Mandla, Panna, Damoh, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, and Pandhurna, where thunderstorms with lightning and winds up to 50 kmph are expected at isolated locations.
Farmers have been advised to secure harvested crops, and residents are urged to take all necessary precautions during thunderstorms and hail. With the region now bracing for a transition from stormy weather to a potential heat wave, authorities remain on alert to manage the changing conditions.
The sudden onslaught of rain and hail has raised alarm among farmers who had recently harvested rabi crops, particularly wheat and gram, which are now at risk of rotting due to exposure in open fields. In many districts, harvested produce was being temporarily stored in makeshift shelters or left uncovered in the absence of adequate storage facilities. Farmers are now appealing to the administration for swift assessment of crop damage and compensation.
Several power outages and road blockages were also reported across storm-affected districts. In parts of Rajgarh and Tikamgarh, strong winds brought down electric poles and tree branches, disrupting power supply and traffic movement. Local civic authorities and disaster response teams have begun clearing operations, although residents in remote villages complained of delayed assistance.
