Madhya Pradesh is currently in the grip of an intense heatwave, with temperatures climbing steadily over the past three days and continuing to surge on Sunday. Ratlam and Narmadapuram emerged as the hottest cities in the state, both recording a blistering 42.6°C — the highest temperatures of the season so far.
For the first time this year, day temperatures in major cities such as Bhopal, Gwalior, and Ujjain crossed the 40°C mark. Bhopal registered 40.5°C, Gwalior touched 40°C, and Ujjain sweltered at 41°C under relentless sunlight and hot winds.
Several other regions also witnessed soaring temperatures. Khajuraho reported 42°C, Guna 41°C, Mandla 40.5°C, Damoh 40.4°C, while Shajapur, Dhar, and Tikamgarh each recorded 40.3°C. Nowgong and Sagar also touched the 40°C mark.
Among other urban centres, Indore recorded 39.8°C, Jabalpur 39.6°C, Satna 39.9°C, Malajkhand 39.5°C, Khargone and Chhindwara 39.4°C, Seoni 39.2°C, and Betul 39°C — all nearing or crossing the threshold of extreme heat.
The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert for districts bordering Rajasthan, beginning April 7, with northern and western Madhya Pradesh particularly vulnerable. However, partial relief may come on April 9 as a Western Disturbance could bring light showers to eastern districts including Singrauli, Anuppur, Dindori, Mandla, and Balaghat.
A senior scientist from the Meteorological Department in Bhopal explained that recent systems of hail and rain had moved away, clearing the path for rising temperatures. With dry western winds dominating, the heatwave is expected to intensify, especially in Rajasthan-adjacent regions.
April is forecast to bring a volatile weather mix. The first two weeks may see sporadic rainfall in eastern districts, but the overall trend points toward rising temperatures. The final week of the month is projected to be the hottest, with some regions expected to exceed 45°C.
The Scientific Director of the Meteorological Centre, Bhopal, warned that April temperatures are likely to remain above average. Heatwaves could last for 7 to 10 days this month alone, posing health risks across vulnerable populations.
The first week will see nighttime lows 2–3°C above normal (21–24°C), while Indore, Sagar, and Narmadapuram may record 39–42°C due to hot western winds.
In the second week, heatwaves could persist for 2–3 days, with temperatures ranging from 41–43°C and little chance of rainfall.
The third week may bring a mix of searing heat and isolated light rain, with highs reaching 42–44°C.
The fourth week is expected to be the hottest, with Gwalior, Chambal, Sagar, and Rewa likely to see 43–45°C, and other regions touching 41–44°C, alongside heatwaves lasting 3–4 days.
With summer setting in early this year, Madhya Pradesh is bracing for three months of intense heat. The Met Department predicts heatwaves for 15–20 days in May and around 30–35 days of hot winds across April and May.
