Starting Saturday, Madhya Pradesh will experience a brief three-day rainy spell triggered by a Western Disturbance and a trough, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). However, despite the anticipated rainfall, the state will continue to reel under intense heat and persistent heatwave conditions, with temperatures soaring across several regions.
On Friday, Khajuraho recorded the highest temperature at 44.6°C, followed by Shivpuri at 44°C, making them the hottest locations in the state. Other major cities also witnessed scorching conditions, with Gwalior at 43°C, Jabalpur at 41.5°C, Ujjain at 41.4°C, Bhopal at 41.2°C, and Indore at 40°C. The only relief came from Pachmarhi, the state’s lone hill station, which remained relatively cooler at 36.2°C.
The IMD has issued a heatwave alert for Saturday, April 26, across 13 districts, including Burhanpur, Khandwa, Ratlam, Shivpuri, Datia, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, and Pandhurna.
The department has cautioned residents in these regions to take necessary precautions as temperatures are expected to remain unrelenting.
A senior meteorologist noted that while some areas of the state may witness light rain and thunderstorms, severe heatwave conditions will persist, particularly during the daytime.
The upcoming rains are expected to bring temporary relief, but they are unlikely to significantly alter the prevailing heat patterns.
Bhopal, in particular, has faced extreme heat stress, with temperatures high enough to cause melting of asphalt on roads, adding to public inconvenience.
The weather department predicts that following this short rainy phase, temperatures are likely to rise further, intensifying heatwave conditions across the state.
Residents are urged to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and follow IMD guidelines, especially in heatwave-affected districts, as the state braces for another stretch of challenging weather conditions.
In view of the harsh weather, schools in some districts may revise class timings, and local health departments have been instructed to remain alert for cases of heatstroke, dehydration, and related illnesses.