Storm and rain across half of MP:Weather to change for fourth time in Feb, IMD issue alert for 23–24

Due to cyclonic circulation and a Western Disturbance, storms and rain affected nearly half of Madhya Pradesh. Hailstones were also reported in several districts, including Ujjain and Mandsaur. According to the India Meteorological Department, there is no warning for the next three days from Friday, although a fresh rain alert has been issued for 23–24 February. For the past two days, the state has been witnessing strong storms, rainfall and hailstorms. Significant damage has been reported in rural areas of Ujjain district, particularly in Ghatia, Mahidpur and Unhel. In many villages, standing crops have been flattened, causing damage to grain. The administration has initiated a survey to assess the losses. Rainfall in 25 districts In the last 24 hours, rainfall was recorded in around 80 towns and cities across 25 districts. These include Dhar, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Indore, Agar-Malwa, Ujjain, Rajgarh, Khargone, Morena, Sehore, Datia, Gwalior, Bhopal, Guna, Ratlam, Barwani, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Rajgarh, Dewas, Vidisha, Ashoknagar, Tikamgarh, Niwari and Chhatarpur. Nalchha in Sheopur recorded the highest rainfall at 1 inch. Wind speeds in Sheopur reached 63 km per hour during the storm. Strong winds were also reported in several districts, including Bhopal and Sehore. Meteorological explanation According to the Meteorological Department, cyclonic activity combined with a trough over the state led to rainfall and hail on Wednesday and Thursday. On Thursday, the trough and Western Disturbance system remained active. The inflow of cold northern winds reduced the impact of heat, resulting in a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures.
Weather pattern since early February At the beginning of February, the state had already experienced two spells of hailstorms, rain and thunderstorms, which caused considerable crop damage. The government subsequently surveyed affected farmland. Since 18 February, the state has been hit by rain for the third time, with the system’s impact continuing on 19 February. There are now indications of a fourth spell of rain. Daytime chill returns, nights slightly warmer Owing to the rainfall, daytime temperatures have fallen. Cold winds blew on Thursday, prompting people to return to warm clothing. However, night temperatures have shown a slight rise. In the five major cities, Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Ujjain and Jabalpur, minimum temperatures remained above 13°C. Only Khajuraho and Kalyanpur recorded temperatures below 10°C, while other cities reported higher readings. Weather forecast for the next 2 days 21 February: No rain alert. Sunshine is likely during the day. 22 February: Clear weather is expected. At present, no rain warning has been issued anywhere in the state.