Bhopal experienced a slight relief from the heat on Monday as the maximum temperature dropped to 32.2°C, making the day more comfortable. According to the Meteorological Department, there is a likelihood of thunderstorms and rainfall across half of Madhya Pradesh on March 19 and 20. Regions including Bhopal, Jabalpur, Narmadapuram, Rewa, Chambal, Sagar, and Shahdol divisions are expected to be most affected, with wind speeds reaching 40 to 50 km/h. Light showers may also occur in parts of Indore, Ujjain, and Gwalior divisions.
The Meteorological Department has issued yellow and orange alerts for these dates, warning of potential thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. On Sunday, temperatures across the state dropped by 1 to 4 degrees Celsius, accompanied by cloudy skies in Bhopal, Vidisha, Sagar, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, and Singrauli. Several areas also experienced light showers and thunderstorms.
Meteorologists attribute the changing weather to two active cyclonic circulation systems—one over Rajasthan and the other over north-western Madhya Pradesh. Another weather system is expected to become active from March 18, likely bringing additional rain and thunderstorms over the next two days.
Recent weather patterns indicate sporadic rainfall across the state. On March 13, light showers were recorded in Morena and Bhind, while Bhind experienced drizzle on March 14. Scattered showers occurred in Jhabua, Ratlam, Bhind, Morena, Panna, Chhatarpur, and Tikamgarh on March 15, with cloudy skies observed in Bhopal. Many districts experienced thunderstorms and light rain on March 16.
Over the next 24 hours, cloudy skies are expected in Indore, Ujjain, and Bhopal divisions, with a possibility of light showers in eastern Madhya Pradesh. Moving forward, Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Sagar, and Shahdol divisions are likely to experience increased cloud cover, thunderstorms, and rainfall.
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for March 20 in Damoh, Katni, and Umaria-Shahdol, warning of severe thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for Bhopal, Morena, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Sagar, Raisen, Khandwa, Harda, Narmadapuram, Betul, and several other districts for moderate thunderstorms, rain, and lightning.
Despite the current drop in temperature, the Meteorological Department forecasts a resurgence of intense heat across the state by the end of March. Several regions are expected to experience heatwave conditions, with temperatures likely to exceed 40°C in many cities.
Typically, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature crosses 40°C or is 4.6°C above the seasonal average. The department predicts the next four months will be particularly harsh, with 15 to 20 days of heatwave conditions from March to May. April and May are expected to be the hottest months, with temperatures potentially surpassing 45°C in the districts of Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions. Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Narmadapuram divisions are also likely to experience sweltering conditions.
Residents are advised to remain cautious and stay updated on weather alerts as the region braces for fluctuating conditions and the onset of extreme summer heat.
