The mid-March heat wave has begun to create significant discomfort for residents across Madhya Pradesh, forcing people to adapt their daily routines to cope with the escalating temperatures. The relentless rise in mercury levels is not only affecting regular activities but is also exerting additional pressure on students appearing for their annual examinations. The sweltering conditions are making it increasingly challenging for them to maintain focus and perform well under the scorching heat.
On Thursday, several regions of the state recorded unusually high temperatures, approaching near-record levels. Talun in Barwani district emerged as the hottest location with a scorching 39.9°C. Other areas, including Kannod, Khajuraho, Narmadapuram, Prithvipur, Mandla, and Ratlam, reported temperatures of 39.5°C, 39.4°C, 39.1°C, and 39°C, respectively. Daytime temperatures soared above 36°C across most parts of the state, with the only respite being in Pachmarhi. The hill station, due to its higher elevation, remained relatively cooler compared to the rest of the region.
The rising heat is not limited to the daytime. Night temperatures are also climbing steadily, making evenings warmer than usual. This persistent heat during both day and night is amplifying the discomfort felt by residents. With no immediate relief in sight, the oppressive heat is expected to intensify in the coming days. Meteorological experts have warned that the ongoing heat wave will persist and likely worsen after the celebration of Holi, which traditionally marks the arrival of spring.
According to the Meteorological Department, while there may be some respite for parts of North India due to active Western Disturbances, no such relief is expected for Madhya Pradesh in the near future. These disturbances could cause a temporary dip in temperatures in northern regions, but their influence on the central parts of the country remains minimal. In fact, the third week of March is likely to see a further increase in humidity levels across Madhya Pradesh, making the already harsh conditions feel even more oppressive.
The eastern regions of the state, including the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, and Shahdol divisions, are expected to experience the full brunt of the heat wave starting March 14. Over the past 24 hours, the weather remained dry across all divisions of the state, with a sharp increase in temperatures particularly noted in the Rewa division. In contrast, other divisions did not witness major fluctuations during the same period.
In the Indore division, day temperatures have risen above normal levels, reflecting the broader warming trend across the state. Similar patterns have been observed in the Bhopal, Narmadapuram, Ujjain, Rewa, Jabalpur, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions, where temperatures have climbed appreciably above seasonal norms. Meanwhile, the Gwalior division has experienced a particularly pronounced rise in daytime temperatures, making outdoor activities increasingly arduous.
Nighttime conditions across the state mirror the upward trajectory seen during the day. While most areas reported stable nighttime temperatures, the Bhopal, Ujjain, and Rewa divisions recorded above-average minimum temperatures. In the Indore and Gwalior divisions, the rise was even more significant, with night temperatures increasing appreciably beyond the usual range. Other regions of the state, however, experienced night temperatures that remained within the normal range.
The escalating heat is beginning to disrupt daily life, making routine tasks challenging for residents.
